🚨 SL Customs Destroys Rs. 677 Mn Worth of Contraband Cigarettes

Sri Lanka Customs has destroyed approximately 2.8 million illegally imported cigarettes valued at an estimated commercial worth of Rs. 677 million. The incineration took place at the Western Power Plant in Kerawalapitiya, operated by Aitken Spence PLC. • Enforcement & Seizures: The contraband was intercepted and seized by Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) during passenger and cargo checks conducted between April 22 and July 27, 2026. • Revenue Impact: Customs officials highlighted that the illicit import represented a potential tax fraud and revenue loss to the government amounting to nearly Rs. 440 million. • National Context: Strict enforcement against smuggling at major ports helps safeguard national excise tax revenues and supports regulatory compliance across the broader trade & logistics sector.