Sri Lanka Customs last week seized over Rs 10 million worth illegal cigarettes shipped from Dubai on the pretext of passenger luggage. Around 29 lakhs of smuggled cigarettes of ‘Gold Seal’ brand were found hidden in eight boxes.

The boxes had been stored in a container yard at Wattala. It was not cleared even a month after the delivery. After it was revealed that the given address is false the officials had taken measures to open the consignment.

Assistant Director of Customs, K. D. Dharmasena has ordered the confiscation of the illegal cigarettes. Assistant Customs Superintendent, K. H. J. Chandrasena and his team are conducting further investigations under the supervision of Customs Superintendent Sisira de Silva.