Following several leading jewellers being taken into custody by the Customs for the illegal smuggling of gold, the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) stated that they do not have any authority to apprehend and prosecute the individuals involved in smuggling operations.

Last week, the Customs reportedly raided 13 leading jewellery making institutions and seized a stock of gold smuggled into the country, and a fine of Rs. 4.5 billion is to be imposed in this regard. According to media reports, there are a few leading jewellery business operators involved in this racket. It has been learned that these business operators have continued to bring gold from India through unlawful means for a long time, thus denying tax revenue to the Government.

In this context, the NGJA Director General Janaka Udaya Kumara told The Daily Morning yesterday (29) that they do not possess the legal mandate to directly intervene in cases of gold smuggling. However, Udaya Kumara noted that they are actively monitoring such incidents, and that the Authority remains vigilant in identifying patterns and trends associated with the illicit trade, collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies to prevent such incidents. He further reiterated that the Customs authorities hold the responsibility to apprehend individuals engaged in activities related to the export and import of goods, such as the illegal transportation of gold and other valuable minerals. He also noted that such smugglers must be promptly presented before the Court for due process. 

“We are not informed of such an incident by any party. However, we have no mandate to take action against those who are involved in this matter. If there are jewellers among the smugglers, as it is reported, the relevant actions must be taken from the Customs end because the exportation and importation of goods are under their purview. However, we are monitoring the situation to see how we can contribute to prevent such incidents,” he noted.

Several attempts to contact the Customs Spokesperson Seevali Arukgoda and the Police proved futile.