Army nabs illegal turmeric and cardamom worth over Rs 27 million
COLOMBO – A resident of Kandakadu attempting to transport a consignment of raw turmeric, worth Rs 25.8 million and cardamom worth Rs 1.6 million, was taken into custody by the Sri Lanka Army on Monday (14). The Army Media Unit said the resident was nabbed with 108 bags (approximately 4,300kg) of raw turmeric and five bags (approx. 80kg) of cardamom while transporting them in a Bolero Cab. Turmeric and cardamom are considered essential for Sri Lankan cuisine. Turmeric is also used for medical purposes.
According to the army resident has been transferred to the Talaimannar police station for further investigation..
Sri Lanka has seen a growing demand for turmeric after the government imposed an import ban earlier this year.
On the one hand, the ban has encouraged local farmers to grow the crop, a practice that had stopped years ago in areas such as Ampara. However, the ban has also boosted a black market. An article by The Guardian dubbed it as the “new gold”.
Over the past few months, Sri Lanka Customs and the army nabbed several people attempting to smuggle turmeric into the island.
On Monday, Customs too detected a stock of turmeric worth Rs 19 million concealed in a container carrying 80,000kg of big onions.
According to media reports, the consignment was imported from Dubai in four containers by a trader in the Pettah market.
Sri Lanka Customs was quoted as saying it seized around on emillion kilograms turmeric smuggled into the country through various avenues.
-economynext.com