Travellers warned against carrying others’ baggage

Sri Lanka Customs has urged the public not to carry parcels or baggage belonging to others when travelling, warning that unsuspecting passengers could be used to transport illegal items, including narcotics.

Customs Spokesman – Chandana Punchihewa said individuals could become involved in serious criminal offences without knowing the contents of the items they are carrying.

Punchihewa cited a previous incident in which a 19-year-old was allegedly used in a drug smuggling operation, with the consignment brought in under the youth’s name while another individual was aware of its contents.

He said Customs officers have also encountered cases where even close family members had unknowingly been used in such instances.

The spokesman warned that illegal substances can be concealed in ways that are difficult to detect, even by people who personally inspect their baggage.

He further cautioned travellers against accepting free travel arrangements from others without understanding the reason behind such offers.

“When someone says, ‘I’ll buy you a ticket and send you abroad for free,’ think carefully about why that person is offering to do so,” he said.

Punchihewa stressed that drug trafficking offences carry severe penalties in many countries, including the death penalty in some jurisdictions.

மேலும் படிக்க »

இந்த செய்தியைப் பற்றிய கருத்தை பதிவு செய்யுங்கள். மேலும் இந்த செய்தியை உங்கள் நண்பர்களுடன் பகிர்ந்து கொள்ளுங்கள்.