“Further investigations with regard to the 28 freight containers of Agricultural Plant Waste from Ukraine, are still ongoing,” Customs Spokesperson, Sunil Jayaratne revealed.
The consignment was sent from AGRONIKA TRADE in Ukraine, in the guise of Coriander seeds.
“The investigation will specifically focus on an intermediary individual involved in the importation process, as all the eight importers connected to the incident have claimed they are victims of fraud and were deceived,” Sunil Jayaratne, the Customs Spokesperson further noted.
Meanwhile, according to Dr. Anil Jasinghe, the Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, it is possible to inform the Ukrainian Environmental Authority about the relevant containers since the consignment contained waste.
“A complaint will be lodged with the Basel Convention Secretariat located in Geneva as well,” Dr. Jasinghe further said.
According to the Basel Convention, the export of agricultural waste from one country to another is strictly prohibited and Sri Lanka is also a signatory to the Convention.
Sri Lanka Customs expects to conduct a proper scientific investigation into the content of the “Agricultural Plant Waste” consignment imported to the country from Ukraine, Customs officials said.
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