Sri Lanka Customs Revenue Task Force (RTF) intercepted a smuggling attempt on Wednesday after officers found 6.5 tonnes of turmeric concealed inside a consignment of gypsum plaster imported from India.
The RTF (Operations) unit recovered 2,580 kilograms of turmeric powder and 3,950 kilograms of dried turmeric fingers during inspection at the port. The detection prevented the goods from entering the local market.
The seizure follows a separate navy interdiction at Kalpitiya earlier this month and adds to a growing pattern of attempts to smuggle Indian turmeric into Sri Lanka. Indian turmeric attracts duties and customs valuation controls when imported through legal channels.
Customs has been exceeding its monthly revenue targets for four consecutive months, collecting 186.5 billion rupees in the first 27 days of April against a target of 181.3 billion. The agency has accelerated container clearance and enforcement since January following the November Cyclone Ditwah disruption.
