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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
Comments - 4
Comments - Video: Washing powder changes into cigarettes
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.
421
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
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Nims Monday, 19 January 2015 03:43 PM
Question the Custom Officer who inspected the container before releasing? That is the correct procedure
07
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.
04
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