Sri Lanka Customs has arrested 26 passengers who allegedly attempted to smuggle gold illegally to India aboard the passenger ferry SG 423, which was scheduled to sail from Kankesanthurai Port to Nagapattinam.
The arrests were made during a special operation conducted on the basis of credible intelligence received by customs authorities.
Among those detained are 17 Indian nationals and nine Sri Lankan citizens. Customs officials noted that six of the suspects are women.
During the operation, officers discovered concealed gold in the possession of two of the suspects. Authorities have not yet disclosed the quantity or value of the seized gold.
As part of the ongoing investigation, all 26 passengers have been referred to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital for medical examinations, including checks to determine whether any gold had been concealed internally.
Sri Lanka Customs is continuing further investigations into the incident.
