An increase in the influx of illicit cigarettes has been observed by Sri Lanka Customs compared to last year. Deputy Director of Customs, Bandaranaike Airport, Parakrama Basnayake told the Sunday Observer that the increase could be attributed to the increasing Chinese population in the country. During the most recent raid that was carried out this week, at the Bandaranaike International Airport workers of Chinese origin attached to the runway relaying project was found trying to bring in 605 cartons of Chinese cigarettes which has been estimated to worth over six million rupees. A penalty of Rs. 100,000 has been imposed on the offenders and the goods forfeited by the Customs.
“There is a vast demand for Chinese cigarettes with the increase of Chinese population within the country. They are heavily addicted to these brands and as a result engage in smuggling contrabands.” Basnayake said.
Accordingly a carton, which consists of ten packets, is sold at a retail price of Rupees ten thousand.
“With the increase of smuggling we decided to hold daily scanning which resulted in a reduction. However, we noticed that by December last year it was gradually expanding hence we have put in place new surveillance plans to curb this situation.” He further stated.
It was noted that due to the extremely high demands the smugglers tend to continue even at a higher risk and hence more stringent rules must be in place in order to tackle this situation.