Pepper probe handed over to CID: Minister

By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera   

Primary Industries Minister Daya Gamage said yesterday investigations into the import of 156 containers of pepper for re-export had been handed over to the CID.  

He told Parliament that a cabinet decision has been taken to completely stop import of pepper and cinnamon for re-export.  

“A CID investigation is underway to probe the import of pepper based on reports of the customs department. A mechanism has been introduced to check the export of Sri Lankan pepper in India. This will help verify if the stock was exported from Sri Lanka or elsewhere,” he said.  

The minister said this in reply to a question raised by UPFA MP Mahinda Amaraweera during the committee stage debate of the ministry of Primary Industries.  

MP Amaraweera said pepper cultivators faced numerous hardships due to the import of pepper.    

A CID investigation is underway to probe the import of pepper based on reports of the customs department