Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)
Updated
Mangalore, Aug 20: In a major operation, the officials of Mangalore Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Wednesday August 20 seized a container that was attempting to smuggle red sandalwood (red sanders) worth crores of rupees from Mangalore port.
Based on credible intelligence, the officers of DRI Mangalore seized 16.990 tons red sanders valued at Rs 6,79,60,000 (as per the prevailing market value for export).
Official sources infomed that Beracha Exim Pvt Ltd, a Bangalore-based firm, had declared that the container GESU 3039340 carried 'Mysore Detergent Cake' destined for Sharjah and was loaded into 'Tiger Mango' vessel. The vessel left for Dubai from Mangalore port on August 9.
Meanwhile, the DRI received specific intelligence about concealment of contraband goods and learnt that the container was actually being used to smuggle red sandalwood to Dubai.
Taking immediate action, the DRI officials contacted the shipping line agency and brought back the container from Colombo.
The container was not offloaded at Colombo as per instructions of DRI and was kept on board the vessel. The same vessel arrived at New Mangalore Port on August 18 and the container was offloaded on Wednesday.
On opening the container, the DRI found 16.990 tons of red sandalwood, valued at Rs 6,79,60,000.
On detailed examination, it was found that the goods already stuffed by the exporter initially was substituted with red sanders at some place near Bangalore without tampering the seals affixed by the central excise department.
Investigation has been initiated to find out the actual culprits.
DRI arrested Samuel Aruldoss, managing director of M/s Beracha Exim Pvt Ltd, Bangalore, the exporter and Ganesh Kumar, driver of the truck bearing registrations number KA 19B 7426 which transported the container from Bangalore to Mangalore port. Investigations have also been initiated to find out the entire racket of those who indulged in the smuggling and also those who helped the exporter from Mangalore/Bangalore side.
Red sanders wood in any form is prohibited for export in terms of the prevalent foreign trade policy. Therefore the entire goods were seized and kept in the custody of DRI/customs.
The operation was conducted under the direction of deputy director of DRI.