A unique modus operandi has been busted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) wherein Areca nuts were smuggled by replacing the undeclared areca nuts stuffed in the containers by the declared cover cargo during the container movement from the port to the Container Freight Station (CFS). In this major crackdown on the smuggling racket, the DRI arrested five persons and seized more than 50 (metric tonnes) MTs of Areca nuts.
According to the DRI, in the first case, based on specific intelligence, authorities intercepted a 40 feet container shipped from Dubai, UAE where the import cargo was declared as “Quick Lime Lumps”. A detailed examination of the container was done and 25.9 MT (approximately) of Areca nuts in split form was found. The Areca nuts weighing 25.9 MT valued at Rs 2.23 crore were seized under the provisions of the Customs Act.
FPJ
In the second case, DRI intercepted a 40 feet container shipped from Dubai where the import cargo was declared as “Gypsum Powder”. A detailed examination revealed that the entire consignment was misdeclared and goods found inside were Areca nuts in whole form, packed in jute gunny bags. A total of 25.8 metric tonnes (approximately) of Areca nuts, valued at Rs 2.2 crores were recovered during the examination was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act.
5 people arrested
Based on investigation, two persons were arrested, including the Import Export Code (IEC) holder of the first case. However, further investigation revealed that similar smuggling had been done through some other containers. Interrogation of arrested persons and thorough investigation revealed that areca nuts in two more containers were smuggled in similar fashion by way of misdeclaration and replacement of the smuggled areca nuts stuffed in the container by the cover cargo (Quick Lime Lumps) during the container movement from the port to the CFS, agency officials said.
"Acting on the intelligence gathered, three more persons were apprehended and, on interrogation, they revealed the complete modus operandi of smuggling Areca nuts. In this major crackdown on the smuggling racket, the DRI has arrested a total of five persons and seized more than 50 MTs of Areca nuts. A thorough investigation and success of DRI in busting the smuggling racket and nabbing the masterminds in the above case indicates the strong commitment of the officers of DRI on a regular basis towards the ongoing battle against smuggling.
