Afghan held for smuggling 114 kgs corals at IGI airport

New Delhi: An Afghan national has been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle in 114 kgs of corals at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) here.

The accused was intercepted by customs officials after his arrival from Kabul on Monday.

“On personal and baggage search, organ pipe coral species weighing 114 kgs were recovered from the passenger,” a press release issued today by the customs department said.

Corals are prohibited goods as per the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and under CITES – Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Hence, its possession and trading is prohibited.

Corals are used for medicinal purposes and for making gems and jewellery – ‘moonga’ or coral stone, a senior customs official said.

The accused, who hails from Afghanistan, has been arrested and the corals have been seized, the release said.

Last year too, the customs officials had seized 80 kgs corals.