A 32-year-old Sri Lankan passenger has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake upon arrival from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for attempting to smuggle 35 kg of gold into the country.

The arrested suspect is reportedly a resident of the Grandpass area. He was arrested while in possession of 195 gold biscuits and 13 kg of gold jewellery, estimated to be worth Rs. 1.1 billion in total.