Custom officials directed not to clear consignments on suspicions of fake currency, contraband

MUMBAI/KOLKATA/NEW DELHI: The directorate of revenue intelligence ( DRI) has directed customs officials in Chennai, Delhi and part of Mumbai not to clear any import consignments on suspicions of fake currency and other contraband being smuggled in, two persons aware of the development told ET.

"Checking at these locations is underway," said one of the persons.

Unconfirmed reports also suggest that certain other authorities like ED and excise department were involved in checking imported consignments across the ports in these locations.

However, an ED official in Mumbai said the directorate in the city was not involved in any action till the time of writing.

KVV Giri, president, Chennai Customs Brokers Association told ET On Friday, "The port authorities stopped movement of containers, both for export and import, at Chennai port. We met the chief commissioner of customs today who informed us that the containers needed to be checked by DRI and customs officials as they had information that some of them contained suspicious materials."

Giri added that the chief commissioner has informed them that from tonight container movement will begin and the port authorities will work tomorrow, which is a Sunday, to clear the containers.

Oilseed exporter, Sanjiv Sawla, partner, M Lakhamsi & Co said that their consignments were not moving from Chennai port. "The port authorities have not cited any reason for the sudden stoppage in container movement. We are hoping that the situation will normalise within next 24 hours." His company exports oilseeds to Russia, China, Indonesia and Europe.

A trader in Delhi alleged that arms were found in air cargo in Delhi and Chennai port. So delivery of cargo from sea and airports would commence from Monday.