An attempt to import a stock of turmeric from Indian in the guise of rice by defrauding Rs.5.6 million was thwarted by the Customs Revenue Task Force (RTF) today.
Customs Spokesman Director Leslie Gamini said a trader in Pettah had imported a consignment declared as 37, 500 kilograms of rice on July 14. He had paid Rs.187, 000 to Customs as duty for the rice.
But when the consignment was checked today the officers found 27, 000 kilograms of turmeric along with 10, 000 kilograms of rice in the declared consignment.
Since the duty on turmeric was high the trader had given false information for declaration. The revenue from tax that the government would have lost was estimated at Rs.5.6.
Director Customs RTF K D Nicholas and the team are conducting inquiries.