Contraband cigarettes worth over Rs. 10.2 m seized

Rasika Somarathna and A.Sumanasena- Kolonnawa Group

Smuggled cigarettes worth more than Rs.10.2 million, hidden inside a container were siezed by Customs’ Anti-Narcotic Unit yesterday. “The illegally smuggled fags were hidden inside a container which arrived from Dubai. In addition to the cigerrettes it also contained cosmetics, cardamom and shoes,” a customs official said.

He said that the consignment was supported by fake documents which said it contained air coolers instead of the contraband. According to Customs sources it had been imported under the name of a leading business establishment which when questioned had denied their involvement in such an act. The Customs are investigating. Customs Chief Jagath Wijeweera, Deputy Directors M. Puliharan, L. M. Nelson, Sisira De Silva, Supirintendents Nihal Alahapperuma, M. H. Senaratne, H. K. Karunasekera and other officials were present during investigations yesterday.