A member of the Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka (AASL) is under interrogation for working with a group of gold smugglers.
The Customs launched the inquiry after thwarting an attempt to smuggle out Rs. 210 million worth of gold biscuits. Customs said that the 54-year-old individual was detained at the staff exit gate of the BIA while in possession of 5.94kg of 24k gold biscuits. The stock of gold was found concealed in his socks.
Sources identified the arrested person as a Chief Security Officer at the BIA who also served as the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Security Services Organisation. Sources said that a passenger may have handed over the gold to him for smuggling, and that he may have been involved in similar activities for some time.