Sri Lanka Customs has issued a public advisory urging air passengers to avoid transporting luggage or parcels belonging to others, citing risks of unknowingly becoming involved in drug smuggling and other serious crimes.
Sri Lanka Customs has cautioned the travelling public against accepting baggage or parcels from others during flights and other journeys, warning that such arrangements could inadvertently involve them in criminal activities. Customs Spokesman Chandana Punchihewa stated that unwitting passengers frequently become tools for traffickers without realising the contents of items they are transporting.
Punchihewa highlighted a previous case involving a 19-year-old who was allegedly used to smuggle drugs under their name, despite being unaware of what they were carrying. According to the Customs spokesman, traffickers have exploited even close family relationships to move illegal materials, demonstrating that personal connections offer no protection against such schemes. He stressed that individuals should refuse to transport items they do not own, regardless of who requests the favour.
The Customs official warned that illegal substances can be concealed in sophisticated ways that are difficult to detect even upon personal inspection of luggage. Beyond direct smuggling attempts, Punchihewa cautioned travellers to scrutinise offers of free travel arrangements from others. He advised the public to question why someone would offer to purchase tickets and send them abroad without clear justification.
According to Punchihewa, drug trafficking carries severe legal consequences in many countries, with some jurisdictions imposing capital punishment for such offences. The advisory forms part of ongoing efforts by Sri Lanka Customs to prevent trafficking activities and protect citizens from inadvertent involvement in serious crimes.
