An attempt to smuggle a stock of gems worth over Rs.5 million out of the country was thwarted when Customs at the Bandaranaike International Airport seized two men last night, the Customs said.
Customs Spokesman Director Leslie Gamini said that on a tip off they searched two men and found 218 gems carefully concealed in five bottles of shampoo in their baggage. The suspects who were from Bambalapitiya were bound for Shanghai, China. The contraband was valued at Rs.5, 469, 775.
The gems were forfeited and a fine of Rs.100, 000 was imposed on the suspects. The inquiry was held by Deputy Director of Customs Wimal Liyanagama.