Undu import scandal detected by customs

Hard on the heels of an illegal coconut oil scandal now comes a report of smuggling in Undu seeds from India on the pretext of importing wheat. The importer had brought in 58 tons of Undu seeds from India claiming that it was wheat. The estimated value was over Rs 50 million.

 

According to the  Director of Customs (Task force of Revenue supervision)  Ruwan Jayasinghe  the detection was made after long surveillance on the importer who claimed he was importing 72 tons of wheat from India.

 

How only 12 tons were found to be  wheat and the rest of 58 tons Undu seeds which will be in demand for the New year season.

 

The government on a policy decision has banned imports of Undu on the grounds that local producers should be protected.

 

However, the local supply has not been sufficient.