BIA Customs net thumping revenue for 2010
January 3, 2011 11:56 pm
The Sri Lanka Customs at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) has netted a massive Rupees one and a half billion in revenue during the last year (2010), according to Director Airport Customs Parakrama Basnayake.
The revenue thus collected – Rs. 1,525,815,061 - were from 62 detections, fines and confiscations at the arrivals and departure areas of the BIA. 152 suspects were also taken into custody, Mr. Basnayake told Adaderana.
Among the incidents were 20 attempts to take out undeclared foreign currency – mostly Euros and US Dollars – out of the country, which resulted in fines and confiscation worth Rs. 312 million. Fifteen cases of gold being smuggled out, revenue value being Rs. 109 million, six cases of drugs smuggling netting a revenue of some Rs. 1.05 billion (Rs. 1,057,335,000) and eight attempts of smuggling precious stones netting a revenue of Rs. 14 million.
Apart from these, four attempts at bringing in dangerous drugs to the island netted a revenue of Rs. 2 million and six cases of smuggling in mobile phones generated a revenue of Rs. 23 million.
Three cases of attempted smuggling of gold jewellery to the island also netted in a revenue of Rs. 6 million, according to the Airport Customs chief.
The other attempts were the smuggling of indigenous herbs and medicines, tusks, animal skins, plants, genes, antiques etc. These detections were made due to the vigilance and on information received by the Customs Intelligence Unit, added Mr. Basnayake.
