Investigations carried out by the Customs Narcotics Division have revealed that a group of persons had attempted to smuggle foreign currency including US dollars to Dubai worth nearly 80 million rupees, in order to smuggle in gold from Dubai to Sri Lanka.
During the last 18 days of raids at the Katunayake International Airport, Customs officers arrested 12 persons, including three women, for attempting to smuggle foreign currency worth Rs. 780 million to Dubai.
Among these foreign currencies were US $ 117,300, EUR 127,500, Sterling Pounds 8,725 and Saudi Riyals 329,000.
All the suspects were caught trying to smuggle foreign currency into Dubai by air.
Many of those involved in this racket have been found to be residents of Colombo.
Investigations have revealed that these persons were paid around Rs. 50,000 each to smuggle out the foreign currency to Dubai and smuggle in gold upon their return.
