A consignment of contraband foreign-made cigarettes valued at Rs. 278.82 million was incinerated yesterday at the Muthurajawela Power Plant, according to the Sri Lanka Customs Department.
Customs Spokesman and Director Chandana Puncheehewa confirmed that the cigarettes—totaling 1,826,788 sticks—had been seized during routine inspections at Bandaranaike International Airport between May 25 and July 20 this year. The illicit cargo was intercepted while being smuggled into the country in violation of customs regulations.
Officials estimate that the government would have incurred a revenue loss of approximately Rs. 205.6 million had the illegal cigarettes entered the domestic market.
Puncheehewa emphasized that the importation of cigarettes without proper authorization constitutes a breach of Sections 12 and 43 of the Customs Ordinance, as well as the Tobacco Tax Act No. 8 of 1999. He reiterated the department’s commitment to curbing illegal imports and safeguarding national revenue.
The destruction of the seized goods was carried out under strict supervision, reinforcing the Customs Department’s ongoing efforts to combat tobacco smuggling and enforce regulatory compliance.
