Maldivian arrested from Lanka airport for alleged possession of firearm

A 58-year-old Maldivian has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for alleged possession of a pistol.

A Sri Lankan newspaper reported that he was arrested sometime last night while on his way to Male'. A suspected firearm was found in his bag during a scan.

Sri Lankan police are investigating the incident further, the newspaper said.

Some media reported that the man was found with a lighter that looked like a gun.

The Foreign Ministry has not yet commented on the matter.