MP Ali Sabri Raheem fined Rs. 7.5 million and released
MP Ali Sabri Raheem, who was arrested by Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake yesterday (May 23) for the possession of undeclared gold and smart phones, has been fined Rs. 7.5 million and released.
He was released after the undeclared gold and mobile phones were confiscated.
Upon checking his luggage by the Customs officials on duty at the airport, 3.39kg of undeclared gold jewellery and gold biscuits worth Rs. 74 million were found in the possession of the parliamentarian Ali Sabri Raheem, who was returning to Sri Lanka from Dubai.
In addition, a total of 91 mobile phones worth around LKR 4.2 million were also found in his luggage.
Related Articles:
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Audit reveals misuse of electric vehicle permits for migrant workers in Sri Lanka November 23, 2024
- IMF approves third review: Sri Lanka secures $333 million tranche under EFF November 23, 2024
- Sri Lankan President urges accountability and unity for a better future November 23, 2024
- IMF third review talks with Sri Lanka successfully conclude November 22, 2024
- Professor Gomika Udugamasooriya appointed Senior Advisor to President on Science and Technology November 22, 2024
The Political party that this leader belongs to, should sack him promptly.
The goods were found in his luggage and he is claiming that he was not aware of the contents of his own luggage.
He is claiming that the ‘help’ he sought from senior leaders was ignored. That’s excellent.
This clown should be removed from Parliament right now.
Hon Rauf Hakeem, we know you are a ‘solid’ leader.
Please get rid of this scarecrow.
Guy & Roxie,
I support your views.
Whichever political party he belongs to, he should be stripped of membership and REMOVED FROM PARLIAMENT.
Similar case occurred in 1978 I guess. Then UNP MP, Anura Daniel was caught in the Airport in a similar case and he was expelled from the parliament. Unfortunately, this time the accused Ali Sabri Rahim was allowed to pay a hefty fine and escape. Couple of weeks earlier a domestic servant was accused of stealing a gold ring lost her life after taking into custody by the great SL police. This is going viral in Social media and people are asking for justice!
I totally agree with the comments made. Mr Rahim is UNFIT to serve as a parliamentarian and the Speaker should take immediate action in this regard and also debar him from any role in politics in the future ! How can you release such a man after paying a fine ??? He should have been prosecuted for the offences, why was this not carried out ?? Was this due to political interference ????
Dr MF,
I just wanted to let you know that no prosecution is required. The Smuggler MP has been fined in accordance with the Customs Ordinance.
Glad to note the unanimous resolution coming up in Parliament to remove this smuggler.
Shame on the leader of the Party to which this smuggler belongs; why no action?
I am also worried about the confiscated goods. They are likely to grow legs and travel to Puttalam.