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Airport scuffle: Suspended jail terms for Kuwaiti couple
View(s):The Kuwaiti couple who were involved in a scuffle with customs officials following a dispute over quarantine procedures with regard to their pet dog have been sentenced to six months rigorous imprisonment suspended for five years.
On Friday, Negombo’s Chief Magistrate Rajindra Jayasuriya delivered the verdict after the couple, Sarah Alduaij and Ibrahim Alffaih, were found guilty on several counts including disorderly conduct and obstructing the work of state employees. The court imposed a fine of Rs. 9,000 on the couple.
In a separate inquiry held by the Customs, the duo were also fined Rs. 100,000 for violating the Customs Ordinance. They were also asked to pay Rs. 15, 600 as quarantine charges.
The incident took place on July 27 when the Kuwaiti nationals allegedly assaulted the customs officials and tried to forcibly remove their pet from Bandaranaike International Airport without subjecting the animal for quarantine procedure.