Two Sri Lankan nationals have been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake for attempting to smuggle gemstones valued at approximately Rs. 32 million out of the country.
The suspects were apprehended by Sri Lanka Customs officers during an inspection at the airport’s Departure Terminal. Customs officials said the individuals were attempting to illegally transport the gemstones to China by concealing them both inside their bodies and in their luggage.
The two suspects, aged 38 and 39, are residents of Beruwala.
A total of 390 gemstones, including Blue Sapphires, Padparadscha, and Cat’s Eye stones, have been seized and taken into Customs custody for further investigations.
