Govt. to stub entry of illicit fags; Rs. 1.35 b worth smuggled in 2012

Deputy Minister of Finance Dr. Sarath Amunugama said yesterday immediate steps would be taken to tighten the security net at all points of entry to prevent the smuggling of illicit cigarettes and other smuggled goods to the country, avoiding billions of rupees in loss revenue to the Government.

The Minister made this statement whilst addressing media at a briefing held in a container yard in Colombo last morning, where Customs officials broke open several sealed containers of illicit cigarettes shipped to Sri Lanka.

Deputy Minister of Finance Dr. Sarath Amunugama inspecting containers of illicit cigarettes – Pic by Kushan Pathiraja

The Minister inspected several containers of illicit cigarettes, and cartons stashed into refrigerators, washing machines, and plastic and wooden boxes worth millions of rupees.

He added that the loss revenue from such smuggled items would heap a further burden on the public, which he described as an act of treachery, adding that it was imperative that every step be taken to safeguard against its proliferation.

The Minister directed Customs and Ministry officials to build relations with authorities at ports identified as origins for illegal shipments to Sri Lanka.

In 2012, the Department of Customs seized over 56 million illegal cigarette stick valued at Rs. 1.35 billion. The Minister praised the efforts of the Customs officials for their vigilance and effective action which has increased detections, serving as a deterrent for smugglers to send cigarette stocks.