STF seizes imported cigarettes

Valued at Rs. 5.6 million:

The elite Special Task Force (STF) personnel yesterday seized 280,000 illegally imported cigarettes worth Rs. 5.6 million from Mabola, Wattala. According to the STF, the cigarettes belonging to a popular brand had been illegally imported from Turkey.

They also arrested one suspect along with his vehicle which was used to transport the contraband.

The STF believes that there could be others behind the racket which was carried out with the intention of earning huge profits by evading tax.

The STF in recent times has detected several large stocks of such contraband.

The latest raid was carried out under the directions of DIG K M L Sarathchandra and under the guidance of SP Varuna Jayasundera.

A team led by OIC Nadeeka Silva took part in the raid.

The Police are further investigating the incident.

RS