By Hemantha Randunu in The Island, May 27, 2023
The Customs has begun checking the baggage of those who come into the country, through the VIP and VVIP gates, with effect from 23 May.Customs officials said that all politicians, and diplomats, too, will be checked. Hitherto all those tagged as VIP/VVIP have escaped hardly any scrutiny by Customs or by any other authority.
Puttalam District MP Ali Sabri Raheem was arrested with three and a half kilos of gold and 74 mobile phones earlier this week, while entering the country, through a VIP/VVIP gate.
Customs officials intensified checking those who come in through these gates, following the incident.On 23 May they arrested another person who brought in electrical items, illegally through the VIP/VVIP gate.
Customs officials said these VVIPs were bringing in a lot of contraband into Sri Lanka, over the years.Customs officials said they have been instructed by their headquarters to check all who come through the VIP/VVIP gate, irrespective of who they are.https://island.lk/vips-vvips-now-have-to-undergo-customs-checks/
