Vehicle parts smuggler arrested in Grandpass

He had used declaration forms describing the contents as embroidery machines

The Sri Lanka Customs arrested a suspect who allegedly attempted to remove a container loaded with vehicle parts valued at Rs.15 million from the Grandpass container yard, by posing off as a clearing agent, using forged customs seals and documents.

The container loaded with vehicles older than five years arrived from Yokohama, Japan.

Additional Director General of Customs Thilak Perera who is also the head of the enforcement unit said there were nine vehicles - each dismembered into about four sections.

He added that the vehicles comprised three Mini Coopers, two Hondas, Toyotas and Mitsubishi cars. He had used declaration forms describing the contents as embroidery machines but When the officer in charge inspected the container in the presence of the suspect it was found to be vehicle parts.

The suspect had used forge stamps and documents to authorise the delivery where the SLPA releases the container after their charges are settled. Doors, hoods, bonnets etc. were found separated and they were surrounded by tyres. Even batteries and keys were within view.

When the officer in charge inspected the container in the presence of the suspect it was found to be vehicle parts

Pic by Kithsiri de Mel

The suspect had used forge stamps and documents to authorise the delivery where the SLPA releases the container after their charges are settled