A Colombo raid has led to the seizure of high-end smartphones valued at about Rs. 50 million and the arrest of a suspect, police say.
Police have seized more than 300 high-end smartphones during a raid on a shop at Liberty Plaza in Colombo.
The devices, including recent Apple iPhone models, were estimated to be worth about Rs. 50 million. Police said the operation was conducted by the Walana Anti-Vice Squad and that one suspect was arrested over the alleged illegal sale of the phones.
Investigators are expected to examine import documentation, customs declarations, tax payments, serial numbers and supply-chain records to establish how the devices entered the country and whether they were lawfully offered for sale.
The seizure may also raise consumer-protection concerns. Phones imported outside authorised channels can create uncertainty over warranties, after-sales support, network compatibility and whether applicable duties have been paid.
An arrest and seizure do not prove an offence. The suspect is entitled to the presumption of innocence, and authorities must establish the origin and legal status of the devices through investigation and court proceedings.
Further official information is needed on whether the phones were smuggled, under-declared or otherwise imported in breach of regulations, and whether other businesses or individuals are being investigated.
