Customs chief denies stalling DCSL probe

In a December 2006 report, the paper quoted reliable Customs sources conducting the investigation into the under-invoicing scandal of alcohol by Periceyl (Pvt) Ltd, a jointly controlled entity of DCSL, as saying that the probe has been brought to a standstill by the Director General.

By Natasha Gunaratne

Sri Lanka’s Customs chief denied claims that he attempted to stall an investigation into the alleged illegal importation of liquor by the Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka (DCSL).

Sarath Jayathilake, Director General of the Sri Lanka Customs Department, told The Sunday Times FT that the probe is ongoing and no attempt has been made to stop it.

In a December 2006 report, the paper quoted reliable Customs sources conducting the investigation into the under-invoicing scandal of alcohol by Periceyl (Pvt) Ltd, a jointly controlled entity of DCSL, as saying that the probe has been brought to a standstill by the Director General. Last year, it was uncovered that the company had allegedly imported 135,000 litres of brandy, gin and whisky which was undervalued at a lower rate of duty.

Approximately 150,000 litres of alcohol was being imported each year by Periceyl but, in 2006 only 60,000 litres, entered Sri Lanka since the June shipments were turned away.

If everything was in order, the company would have brought those shipments in, one of the sources said.

The Customs investigation also covered three foreigners, employed by a French company who were being investigated for their role in the case and sources said it is possible that these foreign nationals could be repatriated back to Sri Lanka to face further charges if the need arises.

The source told The Sunday Times FT that documents have been finalised and the next stage of the investigation should involve sending customs officials to France to inspect the alcohol shipments there. "We have to get certain documents and certain information from French customs.

Normally, the investigation officers are sent there." The source further alleged that Jayathileke was refusing to send officers to meet with French Customs in order to collect the necessary documents to complete the investigation.

However, Jayathileke says that no Customs officials has asked to meet with the French officials.

"If there is a necessity, we have a lot of ground work to do with embassies and other agencies for us to send agents. So far, no one has asked for permission to do that on this investigation."