Sri Lanka Customs' Narcotics Control Unit detained five passengers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake for their alleged involvement in an attempt to smuggle a substantial quantity of gold biscuits and jewelry into the country.

The individuals in question, consisting of four women and one man, had arrived in Sri Lanka from Dubai via separate flights. The collective haul of gold biscuits and jewelry seized from them amounted to approximately Rs. 123 million in value, as confirmed by Sri Lanka Customs.

Sri Lanka Customs provided details regarding their operation, indicating that three of the apprehended individuals, along with the male suspect, disembarked from a FlyDubai flight originating from Dubai and arriving in Sri Lanka at around 01:10 a.m. today. Concurrently, the remaining female suspect arrived at BIA on a SriLankan Airlines flight at approximately 05:25 a.m.

Notably, customs officers discovered the concealed stash of gold biscuits and jewelry within the suspects' bodies and among the items in their carry-on luggage. All the detained individuals are reported to be residents of the Colombo area and are engaged in business activities that require frequent air travel.

In response to this significant incident, Sri Lanka Customs' Narcotics Control Unit has initiated a thorough investigation to uncover the full extent of the smuggling attempt and to bring those responsible to justice.