Babul, beedi found among red chillies

Sarath MALALASEKERA

The Customs Revenue Task Force (RTF) yesterday detected Rs.2.5 million worth contraband imported on the pretext of importing red chillies from Tuticorin, India.

According to customs officials, the consignee had imported red chilies valued over Rs. 2 million with several contrabands - Tobacco Flakes, Snuff (Babul) and Beedi.

The consignee had not declared the Beedi consignment imported as he has to pay high Customs taxes, RTF officials said.

The Special Customs team investigating into the contraband said the consignee had not obtained Health Ministry approval to import some items.

The consignee had imported 417 bags of red chilies and 30 bags of Beedi from India.

Assistant Director Jayantha Ponnamperuma with Customs Superinandtendent L.N. Jayasinghe and Customs Assistant Superintendents Thusitha Marapona, Wasantha Kumara Kobowaka, R.P.Sarath Chandra and Thilak Suraweera are investigating.