Customs detain 39 drones and 16 microphones imported by MP

Daily Mirror reports that Customs officials seized 39 drones and 16 microphones brought into Sri Lanka by Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Nalin Bandara without required approvals. WhatNews (සිංහල) reports that Bandara and his wife arrived from Singapore with 39 drones on the 8th; it does not specify the month or year.

Newswire reports that Bandara told the media the shipment included small camera drones and microphones for a business run by his son, which rents and sells such equipment. Hiru News likewise reports that the drones were imported through a family business for rental and sale. Newsfirst reports that Bandara defended the import as a permit issue.

Newswire reports that Bandara said the goods had been declared to Customs and were not brought in illegally. He said the business had Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka clearance but still needed approval from the Ministry of Defence, and that a misunderstanding about an existing document had led them to think the latter approval was already in place. He also said the drones were small commercial camera models, not military equipment, and that similar items had previously been imported by air and sea.

Newswire reports that Bandara had submitted available documents to Customs and that officials were awaiting the outstanding approval before releasing the shipment. He said the paperwork was expected to be completed within the next few days. Newsfirst reports that the Criminal Investigation Department was assigned further investigation into the import on the Inspector General of Police’s direction.