September 02, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Customs recently handed over three million illicit cigarette sticks, valued at over Rs. 75 million, to the Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC) for destruction.
These cigarettes, seized in operations at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) during the first half of 2024, underscore ongoing efforts to combat illegal tobacco smuggling.
The smuggled cigarettes, primarily sourced from countries including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, India, Cambodia, and China, were intercepted through the diligent efforts of the Border Risk Assessment Center (BRAC), which played a key role in identifying high-risk passengers.
The total evaded duties and levies for these contraband items were estimated at around Rs. 480 million.
Amongst the confiscated goods were several well-known and Chinese cigarette brands, which were forfeited under the Customs Ordinance after penalties were imposed on the individuals involved in the smuggling operations.
The destruction of these items is carried out under strict environmental regulations to ensure compliance with national laws.
Customs officials have highlighted this operation as part of a larger strategy aimed at curbing the illegal tobacco trade, which not only threatens public health but also disrupts the legal market.
