Video: Washing powder changes into cigarettes

19 January 2015 06:17 am - 4 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

A 20-foot container full of counterfeit imported cigarettes Valued at Rs.130 million had been seized by the Customs Central Investigation Bureau officials today, Customs Spokesman Leslie Gamini said.

The seized illegally imported cigarette container was opened at the Orugodawatta container yard and had arrived from Jabel Ali Port of Dubai on December 9.

“On the examination the Customs officials found 20,000 cigarette cartons containing 4.4 million sticks of ‘Top Mountain’ brand cigarettes,” Mr. Gamini said.

This consignment was declared as washing powder to a non-existing name of a registered BOI company at Giriulla.

Meanwhile, the of the Customs Central Investigations Director K.A. Darmasena said, the cigarettes were made in a foreign country and with this illegal import the haul evaded Rs.247 million payment of duty and other levies.

Investigations are underway to arrest the suspects who were involved in the racket, Mr. Darmasena said.

The consignment was to be hand over to Ceylon Tobacco Company to be sent to Holcim for destruction, he added. (Chaturanga Pradeep)

Camera by Nisal Baduge

Pix by Nisal Baduge

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 4

Thiru Monday, 19 January 2015 12:05 PM

Because of this, Mahinda banded bringing cigaretes from abroad. He never thought he might loose the election. Otherwise he would have stopped the container one month.before.

Prasath Monday, 19 January 2015 12:40 PM

All of a sudden our government institutions became very effective and would be good if all continue the semester services even if there are unwanted external pressure

Nims Monday, 19 January 2015 03:43 PM

Question the Custom Officer who inspected the container before releasing? That is the correct procedure

Shiran Monday, 19 January 2015 07:06 PM

Good job Sri Lanka Customs. Also please investigate if insiders are involved in this racket. All go hand in hand. Cheers to Arjuna Ranatunge new Minister of Ports and shipping.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Video: Washing powder changes into cigarettes

Comments - 4

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

Belgian traveller scammed in Kalutara

Sri Lanka defaults on USD 6 billion payment despite rising reserves: Patali

Sri Lanka’s Rupee leads emerging markets in 1st quarter of 2024

23 year old youth ends up having his testicles removed

Corporal from Air Force Rugby pool killed in police shootout

April 15 declared a government holiday

MIRROR CRICKET

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win

Amir, Wasim return to Pakistan national team

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Ruwan calls on Kotte Sri Kalyani Mahanayake Thera

Effectiveness of Sri Lanka’s legal system is questioned over alleged corruption: Chief Delegate

Public inconvenienced due to lack of transport

Ex-soldiers joining Russian military as mercenaries, Sri Lanka seeks details

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Security raised for Champions League ties after threat

SLA target four events at Paris Olympic Games

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win