According to Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) sources, a customs official has been arrested at the Cochin international airport on Friday for allegedly aiding smuggling of gold worth over Rs. one crore.
Reportedly, Sunil Francis, with the customs department, was allegedly handed over three gold bars weighing one kg each by a passenger upon his arrival in Kerala’s Kochi from a Gulf country this morning.
The accused was arrested while trying to escape through the exit gate of the airport. The passenger, the alleged carrier, has also been held, sources said.
The accused customs official was earlier put under the scanner of the DRI after he was found around the airport on his day-off, customs commissioner Sumit Kumar said.
The department has already started an investigation against the official and he may be suspended, he added.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence is the apex intelligence and investigative agency for matters relating to violation of the Customs Act.
