In a significant development, a Chinese couple has been detained by Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for attempting to leave the country with 175 gemstones valued at approximately Rs. 50 million without paying due taxes.
The arrest comes as part of an intensified effort by law enforcement agencies to curb illegal activities related to gemstone smuggling and tax evasion.
According to reports, the couple was apprehended while attempting to depart Sri Lanka with the sizable cache of gemstones. The CID has not disclosed specific details about the types or origins of the gemstones involved.
Law enforcement authorities have stated that the detained couple will be handed over to Sri Lanka Customs for further investigation and appropriate legal action. Customs officials will likely examine the gemstones to assess their authenticity, value, and compliance with tax regulations.
Smuggling of gemstones is a serious offense in Sri Lanka, a country renowned for its rich gemstone deposits. The government has implemented strict measures to regulate the trade and ensure that proper taxes and duties are paid on valuable exports like gemstones.
This incident underscores the vigilance of Sri Lankan authorities in safeguarding the country’s natural resources and preventing illicit activities that could undermine the integrity of the gemstone industry.
As the legal proceedings unfold, more details are expected to emerge regarding the specific charges against the Chinese couple and the origin of the smuggled gemstones. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating illicit activities within the gemstone trade, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and stringent enforcement measures.
