Customs Smuggling Incidents
Multiple reports of Chinese nationals being arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport for smuggling goods including cigarettes and electronic items. These incidents highlight ongoing challenges with border control and illegal imports in Sri Lanka.
Apparently, Chinese travelers are treating Sri Lankan customs like an international shopping channel - 'Buy one ticket, get unlimited electronics!' Who knew airport green channels were becoming the new duty-free clearance sale?
Nine Chinese Nationals were intercepted by Sri Lanka Customs at BIA’s green channel arrivals on 15 April 2026 while attempting to smuggle used electronic items concealed in their garments and luggage. The haul included 383 used mobile phones, 101 used tablets, and six WiFi https://t.co/wW7ryQmL7C
Six Chinese nationals arrested with smuggled cigarettes at BIA Read more: https://t.co/PFY0CZFU8R #lka #srilanka #adaderana #news #lanka #srilankanews #BIA #Chinese
Six Chinese nationals have been arrested at Katunayake Airport after attempting to illegally bring a large stock of cigarettes into Sri Lanka, valued at approximately Rs. 11.38 million. Customs officials, together with officers from the Customs Narcotics Control Division, https://t.co/fInKm4KEeE