News
Global Park bonded warehouse sealed amid probe on whiskey racket
View(s):The Global Park bonded warehouse run by Global Transportation and Logistics (Pvt) Ltd has been sealed by the Customs Department amidst a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe into the collusion of Customs officers in leaking imported bottles of whiskey meant for re-export to the local market.
Cases of Johnnie Walker Black Label were being taken from Global Park to the Ace Container Yard in Wattala for re-export on August 14 when, midway, around 900 bottles were replaced with bottles containing coloured water, authoritative sources said.
The Global Park bonded warehouse in Seeduwa was sealed last week. The racket has been going on for “some time” the sources said, adding that arrests are expected.
It is not immediately clear who the importer of this consignment of whisky is. Items that are stored in bonded warehouses are duty-free and strictly for re-export. When transported anywhere in the country, even between warehouses, Customs officials must accompany the goods. If anything is leaked to the domestic market, handsome profits can be made.
A 750ml bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label retails for more than Rs 10,000 now (with tax). A Johnnie Walker Black Label Sherry Edition (1000ml) is nearly Rs 12,000. The CID was this week questioning some of the buyers of these illegal goods.