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Turmeric haul drags two customs suspects into net
View(s):Two customs officers are among 10 suspects arrested by police for releasing three container loads of turmeric, which is now a prohibited import.
Containers of turmeric had been cleared under a false declaration.
The import ban on the commodity has also led to an increase in smuggling from India and yet another load of turmeric was seized by the coast guard in Chilaw on Friday.
Western Province, Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon told the Sunday Times, the customs officers were arrested after police found 33,000 kilograms of turmeric in three container trucks in a warehouse in Bloemendhal.
“The turmeric was stored at the back of the containers in a very subtle way declaring them as glass frames to the customs,” he said.
He said 10 suspects have been arrested. Three container trucks and seven lorries were seized.
The coast guard seized1,058 kilos of dried turmeric in the estuary of Deduru Oya, Chilaw on Friday. During a patrol in the estuary they checked a dinghy and found the turmeric in 21 gunny sacks.
The navy has also been seizing smuggled turmeric.
Sri Lanka Navy spokesman, Captain Indika De Silva, said contraband is handed over to the Sri Lanka Customs and police depending on the circumstances after proper decontamination.
Meanwhile, the Consumer Affairs Authority, is once again cautioning people about tainted turneric.
Director of consumer information, Asela Bandara, said sellers of adulterated turmeric and those selling at high prices will be targeted.