COLOMBO: Sri Lanka Customs has arrested a Sri Lankan national at the Departure Lounge of the Colombo International Airport in Katunayake for attempting to smuggle out foreign currency worth over Rs 48 million.
According to the Customs officials, the 36-years-old male, who arrived at the airport to board a flight to Dubai via Qatar by Qatar Airways flight QR 663, has aroused suspicion and upon search the foreign currency was found.
The suspect from Mattakkuliya, Colombo had undeclared foreign currency, estimated to be valued at Rs. 48,309,692, concealed in his traveling bag.
The concealed money reportedly included Kuwait Dinar 950, Japanese Yen 110,000, Qatar Riyal 48,500, Saudi Riyal 802,000, American Dollar 72,000, Euro 450, UK Pound 30,000 and UAE Dirham 33,500.
Investigations are being carried out by Assistant Superintendent of Customs Thilanka Samaraweera, Muditha Vithana, Lakmal Tennakoon, Duncan Hettiarachchi, and Mrs. Sanduli Madonza.