Customs Dept. starts inquiry into Periceyl

The Customs Department this week began the inquiry into the investigation alleging under-invoicing of alcohol by Periceyl (Pvt) Ltd, a jointly controlled entity of Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka (DCSL), informed sources said.

The investigation which has been ongoing since 2005 led Customs to uncover that the company had allegedly imported brandy, gin and whisky which was grossly undervalued at a lower rate of duty.

Sources have said that through fraudulent means, the company has also allegedly avoided paying over Rs.350 million in customs duty and has cheated the government through its actions.

The customs officer in charge of leading the inquiry was appointed by the director general of the Customs Department and several directors and officers from Periceyl whose statements have been previously taken during the course of the investigation were expected to appear during the inquiry.

Sources also say that the Customs director general has been stalling on sending officers to France to further investigate the matter and obtain additional documentary proof as a French company has also been implicated in the alleged fraud. They said this has been a point of contention between the Customs head and the officers who feel it is crucial to get information from the French Customs. (NG)