KOCHI: The Special Investigation and Intelligence Branch (SIIB) investigating the gold smuggling cases through the Cochin International Airport will probe the latest gold smuggling case involving the Irish man, who was arrested by the Air Intelligence Unit, Air Customs, at Cochin International Airport, last Monday midnight for smuggling in 10 kg of gold.
Speaking to Express, the SIIB officials said, “We have not received any evidence to link him with the gold smuggling rackets operational in the state. However, the Commissioner of Customs has directed the SIIB to probe this case since he had visited the State more than a dozen times and had reportedly carried bullion each time.’’
The officials in the Customs indicated that the man might have connection with the racket operational in the state and Dubai. The details of his connections with the racket operational inside and outside the country will be known only through a detailed investigation, they said. At present, he is lodged in the jail as a remand prisoner and the SIIB would take him into custody only if needed as part of the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, the Customs officials at the CIAL has informed the Irish embassy about his arrest. ‘’The Irish embassy office in India has already contacted the accused and we expect they would provide legal assistance to him when the trail on the case begins here,’’ said officials.
