Kenyan nabbed with 50 capsules of cocaine in stomach at BIA

By Prabhath Witana and T.K.G. Kapila

Airport Customs officers nabbed a 39-year-old Kenyan national yesterday morning at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while attempting to smuggle in 50 capsules containing cocaine in his belly, Customs Spokesman and Deputy Director (Legal) Sudatta Silva said.

Silva said the suspect landed at BIA on EK 650 flight from Kenya and been arrested by the officers attached to the Narcotics Control Division of Sri Lanka Customs. “He was taken in on suspicion, and after a body scan it was found that he had pellets of cocaine in his stomach. Under interrogation, the suspect had admitted that he swallowed 50 capsules containing cocaine packed in two-inch-long tiny polythene sachets each. With the help of BIA police, the suspect was rushed to the Negombo hospital and given laxative to retrieve the contraband under the observation of doctors and protection of the police officers. About 21 capsules has been retrieved at the time of going to press. Silva said the suspect would be handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau for further investigation and legal action.