Excise finds fake tax stamps on products in 3 provinces

The Excise Department has taken into its custody a large stock of alcohol with fake tax stamps, from the North, North Central and Eastern Provinces.

The fake stickers had been affixed to products of several smaller registered alcohol producers, and reportedly attempts have been made from within the department to withhold details pertaining to the case from the media. The confiscated items have been brought to the respective officers in the area, and samples sent to Colombo for further investigation.

The functions of the company that awarded the tender to supply tax stamps have constantly come into question – even in parliament – and the government reportedly loses Rs. 60 billion annually due to malpractices surrounding tax stamps.

Last week, SJB MP Mujibur Rahman, alleged the Excise Department was not collecting all dues to Government from some manufacturers, and that some Deputy Excise Commissioners have been appointed through an unaccredited examination.