Customs officers suspended over red sanders smuggling attempt

Bengaluru: Three customs officials were suspended for smuggling red sanders from Kempegowda International Airport’s cargo complex. The incident came to light when an attempt was made to smuggle red sanders to Dubai.

On July 29, DRI sleuths inspected a consignment meant to be shipped to Dubai. At first, it was declared as plastic pipes used in building construction (as the sanders were wrapped in plastic pipes), but later it was revealed that the consignment contained red sanders weighing over three tonnes and estimated to be worth over Rs 6 crore in the international market.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence’s Bengaluru unit in its report submitted to the Bangalore Customs found out that officers posted at the KIA cargo complex were involved in the smuggling bid. Following this, two superintendents and an inspector have been suspended.

The identities of the officers have not been disclosed as Bangalore Customs conducting an internal probe in the red sanders smuggling case.