Sri Lanka Customs officials smelt a rat at Bandaranaike International Airport when an airport worker was stopped for walking a little too heavily. Their suspicion proved right: hidden inside his socks was a staggering 5.9 kilos of gold, estimated to be worth Rs. 210 million.
The man had allegedly attempted to bypass routine checks by concealing the gold in tightly wrapped parcels tucked into both socks. But his unusually heavy steps drew the attention of eagle-eyed officers, who decided to carry out a closer inspection. What followed was a discovery that has now made headlines across the country.
Authorities say gold smuggling attempts through airports have been on the rise, with syndicates often relying on employees with access to restricted areas. The latest bust highlights both the audacity of smugglers and the vigilance of frontline customs staff.
While investigations into the network behind the smuggling attempt are ongoing, social media has already crowned the customs officer who checked the socks a hero of the day. “Gold medal to the officer who had to check the socks,” quipped one commentator, reflecting the mix of shock and humor surrounding the case.
Sri Lanka Customs reaffirmed their commitment to cracking down on illegal gold trafficking, stating that vigilance at airports remains critical to protecting the country’s financial system.
