Kochi: Cash and gold to the tune of Rs 1 crore was seized during raids conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at Karipur airport.
The cash and gold were seized from Customs officials on duty at the airport and passengers who were let out without proper inspection. Rs 3 lakh was seized from Customs officials at the airport while Rs 5 lakh was seized during raids at their residences.
It is learned that the CBI will register cases against two Customs officers who were on duty at the airport. All Customs officers will be summoned to the CBI’s Kochi office for detailed interrogation.
Karipur international airport is the hub of gold smuggling in Kerala. The CBI had received secret information regarding the officials who aided smuggling including their names.
CBI officials are of the understanding that the cash seized from the Customs officials are commission received for aiding the smugglers.
