STERN MEASURES AGAINST GOLD SMUGGLERS WHO ARRIVE AS AIR PASSENGERS

The government has decided to implement laws to curb persons who travel to Sri Lanka by air for the purpose of smuggling gold, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said. Accordingly, people arriving in the country carrying gold jewelry which exceeds 22 carats without the permission of the Controller General of Imports and Exports will be apprehended.

Customs officials have been informed to use special techniques to ascertain the condition and quality of gold articles.

The State Minister pointed out that the related gazette notification in this regard will be issued next week It is also mentioned that neither overseas employees arriving from abroad nor the normal air passengers will be affected by this. Information has been revealed that about 50 kilograms of gold are being brought to Sri Lanka by smugglers on a daily basis by misusing the government permission granted for air passengers.

Accordingly, permission had been granted for air passengers to bring any gold item without any standard or limit.

It has also been reported that some smugglers travel overseas daily as passengers and bring 24 carat gold ornaments with them.