Customs finds metal scrap in export container declared as rice

Friday, 2 October 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka Customs and the Police yesterday intercepted an export container declared as carrying rice, which was instead found to hold metal scrap, including iron, Sri Lanka Customs Spokesman Chandana Punchihewa said.

The container was detained before it could leave the country, after authorities acted on a tip-off. It had been prepared for shipment under a Customs declaration stating its contents as rice.

Following the detention, Customs informed the Police, who took the matter before court and sought permission to examine the consignment. The court directed Sri Lanka Customs to carry out the examination in the presence of Police officers.

Customs officials and Police officers jointly inspected the container yesterday at the TRICO Export Facilitation Centre (EFC), near the port access road from Ingurukade Junction. They found no rice in the container, which had been loaded with various types of metal scrap, including iron.

Punchihewa confirmed the container had been stopped ahead of its scheduled export and said further investigations were underway.