There continues to be breaches of customs regulations despite increasing awareness by the Ministry of Revenue.

The concerns were raised in the Ministry’s Annual Report for the Financial Year 2017.

The work of the K9 operations – to assist customs and effect border control through the detection of controlled substances and other contraband – has contributed to the increase in the number of non-compliance cases being brought to the attention of authorities.

“More than 30 cases were detected through the border operations,” the report reads.

The cases, according to the report, were dealt with in accordance with the Customs Act. The others were referred to the Ministry of Police for further investigations and criminal charges.

“There were also a number of cases detected by the auditors – both at the Internal Revenue Service and Customs – and all have been dealt with in line with the governing legislations. 

“There were two major combined audit and investigation cases done by the legal team and the auditors, which resulted in the significant duty and tax liabilities of almost $2 million in extra revenue for the Government,” stated the report. 

Furthermore, the report said there were a total of 13,002 entries processed of non-compliance cases after secondary checks were done. 

“A total of 14 cases of non-compliance identified and confirmed. Additional revenue collected from secondary checks amounted to $22,593.16 tala.”