Customs seize vehicles imported sans duty [May 09 2013]

A container carrying vehicles and spare parts worth up to Rs.20million imported without paying duty was seized by the Customs Central Investigation Division today.

A Toyota Axio, a Mini Cooper, a van and a stock of spare parts including used tyres and used seats were among the lot that had been imported submitting false documents.

Customs Spokesman Leslie Gamini said the documents had stated that the container is carrying two excavators and 118 push bicycles instead and had paid only a sum of Rs.451, 000 as duty. It had cost a large loss of revenue to the government.

The consignee a businessman in Pitakotte had been taken into custody. The vehicles had been imported from Japan.

Director Customs Central Investigation Dvision D A I Daranagama, Deputy Director S Udugamasuriya and Superintendent Wathsala Nanayakkara are conducting inquiries.

K.K.