Fourteen Chinese nationals were intercepted by Sri Lanka Customs at the arrival terminal of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today (28).

The passengers, who had arrived on Flight OD 297 at around 1.30 a.m., were stopped while attempting to leave through the Green Channel.

Customs officers discovered 691 cartons containing 138,200 foreign-made cigarettes concealed inside 14 pieces of luggage.

The suspects were identified as Chinese business employees, according to Customs.

Officials said the seized stock is valued at approximately Rs. 20.73mn.

The cigarettes were detected by Sri Lanka Customs officers at BIA, and the entire consignment was ordered to be forfeited.