Suspicious Container Found Containing Scrap Metal and Nearly 200 Artillery Shell Casings

A container that was being prepared for export from Sri Lanka to Qatar via India was detained on September 23 after it was deemed suspicious and was subsequently inspected today by Customs officers and officers of the Central Crime Investigation Bureau, following a court order.

During the inspection, authorities discovered old scrap iron, brass and copper inside the container, which had allegedly been declared as containing rice for export.

The container contained approximately 25 tonnes of scrap iron and brass, along with nearly 200 artillery shell casings.

The container reportedly belongs to a private company based in the Kirulapone area.

Further investigations are to be carried out by Sri Lanka Customs officials and officers of the Colombo Central Crime Investigation Bureau.

Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Criminal Division, Chandana Kodithuwakku, and Director of the Colombo Central Crime Investigation Bureau, Senior Superintendent of Police Kamal Ariyawansa, were present during the inspection.

The following officials also addressed the media:

Chandana Kodithuwakku
Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Criminal Division

H. M. D. R. Kalyana
Chief Superintendent (Security), Security Division, Sri Lanka Ports Authority