Spanish National Arrested at Katunayake Airport with Cocaine Worth Rs. 110 Million
Customs Narcotics Control Unit officials at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake have arrested a foreign national in possession of a consignment of cocaine valued at nearly Rs. 110 million.
The suspect has been identified as a 79-year-old Spanish national and agricultural engineer. According to Customs authorities, he arrived in Sri Lanka on July 22, traveling from Sierra Leone via Addis Ababa and Doha.
Upon his initial arrival, Customs officers inspected his luggage but cleared him to leave after finding no contraband. However, suspecting additional baggage, officers later examined a delayed piece of luggage belonging to him.
During the search, officers discovered four parcels of cocaine cleverly concealed inside two file holders. The total weight of the seized cocaine is 2 kilograms and 198 grams, with an estimated market value of Rs. 109.9 million.
The suspect was taken into custody when he returned to the airport to collect the delayed bag.
Both the suspect and the seized contraband have been handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) for further investigation.
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