The Customs Department has seized 123 kg of gold exposing a major case of smuggling racket in Kerala. In the action taken at 23 locations in Thrissur, the value of the seized gold has been estimated at 50 crores. In this action of 13 teams, 17 people have been detained. Two crore rupees and US $ 9,000 have also been recovered from the spot. The top official of the department gave this information on Thursday.
17 accused detained during raids
Commissioner of Customs (Prevention) Sumit Kumar said that the gold was seized during the raid against the smuggler gang. They were brought by road from various cities of Tamil Nadu, as there is no air or water transport facility to Thrissur. It is alleged that 15 of the 17 accused taken into custody smuggled gold and two bought them. He said that this action was taken in Thrissur on Wednesday morning.
Customs department raids 23 bases
Customs Commissioner Kumar said that “we have recovered 123 kg of gold. Apart from gold, two crore rupees in cash and US $ 9,000 were also recovered during raids at 23 locations. “All the 17 accused arrested are being interrogated. The smugglers’ gangs operate from Trichy, Chennai and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu.