Rice export container found packed with metal scrap
– Sri Lanka Customs, together with the Police, today uncovered a consignment of metal scrap, including iron, concealed inside an export container that had been declared as containing rice, Customs Spokesman Chandana Punchihewa said.The container was intercepted following information received by authorities before it could be exported from the country.The joint examination was conducted today (1) at the TRICO Export Facilitation Centre (EFC), located near the port access road from Ingurukade Junction.According to Punchihewa, the container had been prepared for export under a Customs declaration stating that it contained rice.However, acting on a tip-off, authorities detained the container before it was exported and informed the Police.
The Police subsequently produced the matter before court and sought permission to examine the suspicious consignment. The court directed Sri Lanka Customs to conduct the examination in the presence of Police officers. Accordingly, Customs officials and Police officers jointly inspected the container today.During the examination, officials found that the container contained no rice as declared. Instead, it had been loaded with various types of metal scrap, including iron.
Punchihewa confirmed that the container was intercepted before its scheduled export and that further investigations are underway.