The Customs Trade Union Alliance says around 323 containers, identified as mandatory inspection, have been cleared for release without proper inspection.
President of the Alliance, Amila Sanjeeva told the media that the containers had been issued red labels and were to be subject to mandatory inspection.
He further said that among the 323 containers, 80% were issued red labels, but had been released without proper inspection.
Amila Sanjeeva revealed these problematic containers could have consisted of medicines that were not approved by the National Medicine Regulatory Authority, perfumes and cosmetics unfit for human use, illegal cigarettes or even narcotics and firearms.
Stating that the Customs officials cannot take responsibility for the cleared containers, he further questioned under whose authority and instructions the containers had been released. (Newswire)