Customs fines turmeric importer

• Broker fined Rs. 500,000 and importer Rs. 100,000
• Turmeric hidden in 100 tons of onions  

The Customs Department on Tuesday fined an importer Rs. 100,000 for negligence after it was found that he had attempted to import 25.4 tons of turmeric, hidden in a consignment of onions weighing 100 tons. 

The importer, a broker and a wharf clerk were arrested by the Customs and following an inquiry held yesterday, fines were imposed of Rs. 500,000 to the broker and Rs. 100,000 to the importer for negligence. 

According to a senior Customs officer, the inquiry found that the wharf clerk was not in breach of any laws and had been subsequently released.  Both importer and broker had settled the fines and have been released. 

The Customs has confiscated the imports of turmeric and onions. “The onions will be given to Sathosa for sale as if we store them for long, they will begin to rot and go to waste,” the Customs officer said requesting not to be named. 

The Government continues to hold a large stock of turmeric that was illegally imported despite appeals by importers to allow the stock held at the port to be released. (AF)