Puttlam District MP fined by Customs

  Sri Lanka Customs today imposed a fine of Rs. 7.5 million on Puttalam district parliamentarian Ali Sabry Raheem for the possession of undeclared gold and smartphones while arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport through the VIP lounge from Dubai on Tuesday. The undeclared gold and mobile phones have been confiscated, and the MP left home after paying the fine in full, said a senior customs officer. Puttalam District MP Ali Sabri Raheem, who was detained by Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake yesterday for the possession of undeclared gold and smartphones, has been fined and released. Sri Lanka Customs said the MP was fined Rs. 7.5 million and released on payment of the same, while the undeclared gold and mobile phones have been confiscated. The parliamentarian was apprehended at the airport yesterday morning (24), while attempting to leave the airport, while in possession of a stock of undeclared gold and mobile phones with a total value reportedly exceeding Rs. 78 million. Raheem returned to the island from Dubai, UAE, at around 9.45 a.m. on Tuesday via a FlyDubai flight. He was taken into custody by the officials of the Revenue Task Force Directorate of Sri Lanka Customs at the airport’s VIP terminal, ‘Gold Route’.