Attempt to sell expired confectionery from China

STF, CAA joint operation busts Rs. 1 M racket

A large stock of confectionery deemed unfit for consumption as it was past its expiry date, valued at over one million rupees, which had been imported from China, was seized by the Police Special Task Force (STF) and the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) on Monday from Malwana.

A large amount of cola drinks which had been banned by the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) and a large stock of confectionery (toffees, chocolates) were included in the consignment.

The CAA pointed out that the consignment had been sent to Sri Lanka after relabeling them with new expiry dates and manufacture dates in small packets from China, so as to avoid having to pay Customs duty.

Investigations revealed that the haul was removed from shops in China a few days before the expiry dates of the products and may have been brought over after purchasing them at a reasonable price or even having received it free of charge. STF raided two warehouses located at Malwatta Road in Malwana on information received by the STF intelligence unit. One warehouse had been sealed and two persons who were in the premises were taken into custody and would be produced in Court, STF sources said.

Each packet contained about 200 items and each packet was priced at Rs.200, and had been put into small packets to deceive officials. The raid took place while the stocks were being prepared to be sold to shops in Pettah, the STF said.

The raids were carried out by an STF team led by IP Nadeeka Silva on the instructions of SSP Waruna Jayasundara and on the directions of STF Commandant DIG Ranjith Perera.

Senior investigation officer of the CAA Gamini Atapaththu and his team assisted the STF to carry out the raid. The CAA and the STF advised the public to be cautious when buying imported sweets especially from China, especially when they are sold in large quantities to children.