Customs inspector attempting to crack down on gold smugglers transferred

Kochi: A customs inspector who tried to tighten the noose around gold smugglers operating via Kochi International airport faced a setback as he was transferred to Kozhikode airport. It is said that, the gold smuggling mafia based in Malappuram had played their part in the transfer move as they put pressure on the officials to take the decision.

A political leader from Malappuram with connections in the centre is believed to have pulled the strings resulting in the transfer of the officer. He has also allegedly made a phone call to the officer threatening him of grave consequences. The eminent officer was part of the investigation team which probes the diplomatic channel gold smuggling case.

The officials at the customs department are not happy with the latest development.

Earlier, the customs preventive team had identified widespread gold smuggling is taking place at the parking area of Kochi airport. In a period of two years, gold worth Rs 30 crores was seized in a total of 88 cases. Most of this gold was seized from the parking areas.

With recurring incidents, the customs department had issued a letter to CIAL demanding complete details of the vehicles arriving at the airport parking area. The very next day, gold worth Rs 75 lakhs was seized from the airport. 

But, the officer behind the operation was transferred within 48 hours of the bust. The workers at the parking areas are currently under the customs scanner.