Customs catch turmeric consignment hidden in onion shipment

By Ifham Nizam

The Sri Lanka Customs Preventive Investigation Branch yesterday detected more than 25,000 kilos of contraband dried turmeric with a market value of Rs. 19 million.

“With the slashing of the import tax on onions to 25 cents a kilo, smugglers are attempting to smuggle in other commodities by concealing them among onion consignments,” Customs Department Spokesman, Director Sunil Jayaratna said.

He said that the importer had paid Rs. 26,880 by way of customs duty for the imported consignment.

Dried turmeric stock was concealed among fresh onions in four containers.

Customs however refused to disclose the name of the errant importer.