Customs seize large turmeric consignment smuggled as potatoes

A large consignment of turmeric worth over Rs. 40 million, which had arrived in the country concealed within a 40-foot container filled with potatoes from India, was seized by the Sri Lanka Customs yesterday. 

 

The Customs Cargo Examination Directorate officials on suspicion detained a container that arrived in the Colombo Port on Monday evening for inspection when the importer had come to clear the goods on the same night. 

 

Additional Director General of Customs Seevali Arukgoda said the goods had been declared as potatoes had been brought into the RCT Yard in Orugodawatta for inspection this evening. 

 

Amidst 22 metric tons of potatoes about 9.5 metric tons of turmeric fingers had been carefully packed and stored in the far interior of the container. 

 

A senior official from the Cargo Examination Directorate said the seized turmeric was found to be of high quality and has a market value of about Rs. 40 million. 

 

The authorities felt suspicious about the consignment declared as potatoes as it had been addressed to a fresh importer whose name has not been listed among the usual group of potato importers.  

 

The officials recorded statements from the importer and the wharf clerk who came to clear the goods. The consignment will be forfeited and a penalty imposed on the importer. 

 

Senior Director of Customs Sapumal Jayawardena, Senior Deputy Director H.B.G. Sumathipala and Deputy Director Shashika Kumarasinghe of the Cargo Examinations Directorate are conducting investigations on the instructions of Director General of Customs P.B. Sarath Nonis.