NEW DELHI: A probe by the Special Intelligence and Investigation branch of the Customs House, Kochi, into the seizure of 13 kilograms of gold at the Cochin International Airport Limited has revealed that a Muvattupuzha-based syndicate was behind the smuggling operations.
An official statement issued by the Customs Department said searches in this connection were carried out at the Jewel Park jewellery in Muvattupuzha, from where about 3.5 kg of gold ornaments made of smuggled gold were seized. Ameer Mainkutty, 42, owner of the jewellery and his two associates P.M. Abdul Majeed, 48, and Sudheer V. A., 38, both belong to Muvattupuzha, were also arrested on Wednesday.
In addition, the sleuths also arrested eight more persons, all employed by the Bird Worldwide Flight Services, a ground handling agency at the airport.
They are Prasannan P.K., 53, of Thevara, Kochi, Alhilkumar K.M., 26, of Kottayam, Sreevalsan C.K., 35, of Chowara near Aluva, Arshad. K, 28, of Aluva, Jithin N.T., 28, of Thrissur, Arun Balakrishnan, 27, of Aluva, Jithin P.R., 26, of Angamali, and Shefil A.B., 28, of Edappally.
