STF NABS STOCK OF REFUSED TEA READY TO BE EXPORTED

COLOMBO (News 1st): Seven suspects who attempted to export 29,000 kg of refused tea from a warehouse situated in Kotugoda in the Seeduwa Police area were arrested by a team of Police Special Task Force (STF) attached to the Gonahena camp, Police said on Tuesday (Jan. 19). The suspects were attempting to export the stock of refused tea to a Middle Eastern country, Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana said. "Officials of the Sri Lanka Tea Board also visited the scene today (19) and will prepare a report on the quality of the stock of refused tea," he added. According to the Deputy Police Chief, the suspects and the seized stock of refused tea were handed over to the Seeduwa police and would be produced at the Negombo Magistrate's Court on Wednesday (Jan. 20). Further investigations are being conducted by Police STF and the Seeduwa Police. "Especially, Sri Lankan tea is an internationally recognized brand; however when this type of refused tea is exported to foreign countries, it could tarnish the brand of Sri Lankan tea. Therefore, we are taking stern action against the perpetrators," Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana stressed.