DRI Pune Busts ₹1.47 Cr Areca Nut Smuggling Racket, Six Arrested
DRI Pune Busts ₹1.47 Cr Areca Nut Smuggling Racket, Six Arrested
Based on specific intelligence that areca nuts were being smuggled into India from Dubai in an import consignment by misdeclaring as “Dry dates” and diverting them en route from JNPT Nhava Sheva to ICD, Janori, Nashik, DRI Pune officers kept vigil and discreetly followed the container. The container was intercepted at the time of diversion when Areca nuts were being unloaded at a godown near Nashik.
26.32 MT of Areca nuts valued at Rs 1.47 Cr were recovered along with 27 MT of cover cargo ( dry dates) which were kept for stuffing back.
Syndicate of six persons including key conspirators, transporter and receiver were apprehended during the diversion. Rs 14 lakhs cash was recovered from them.
The said goods along with cash were seized and 6 persons were arrested, under the provision of Customs Act,1962.
Further investigation is in progress.
