A man has been arrested by Sri Lankan customs authorities after being spotted attempting to smuggle, with "difficulty", close to a kilo of gold hidden in his rectum.

The 45-year-old India-bound passenger was seen behaving "suspiciously" in the departure lounge of Colombo airport, spokesman Sunil Jayaratne said.

"He was called for a thorough screening after customs officers noticed him walking with difficulty and appearing to be in pain," Mr Jayaratne said.

A close examination revealed the man was hiding 904 grams of gold wrapped in black plastic sheets, including seven yellow "biscuits" and six chains, he said.

The haul was worth more than £22,000.


Mr Jayaratne said the contraband was seized and the man fined 100,000 rupees - just over £1,000.

The suspect was described as a courier for an organised smuggling ring.