KOCHI: The Customs Department probing gold-smuggling incidents at the Nedumbassery airport is likely to record the arrest of two more persons accused in the incident soon.
Sources in the Department told ‘Express’ that the officials had zeroed in on two more members of the Muvattupuzha-based racket that smuggled in large quantities of gold through the airport, with the help of airport staff.
Customs officials, meanwhile, stated that most of the smugglers were operating with the support of their family members, as in the case of former immigration officer Jabin K Basheer who was arrested along his father and brother for facilitating the smuggling of over 1,500 kg of gold through the airport.
According to the officials, Saifdueen of Muvattupuzha, Ismail of Muvattupuzha, Febin of Muvattupuzha, Aslam Vavachan of Kochi,and Ashiq Tutu of Muvattupuzha had been evading arrest with the help of their family members ever since Noushad, the kingpin of the racket, was arrested nearly a month ago. The men at large allegedly smuggled huge quantities of gold with the support of Noushad.
According to Customs sleuths, they received vital information about the whereabouts of the absconding persons, who reportedly visited foreign countries and brought gold to the State. Ashiq, Aslam and Febin have direct connection with Noushad.
Meanwhile, investigation officials said they were yet to decide whether to take Noushad again into custody, or not, for further interrogation. It is also learned that the officials have received vital clues suggesting the involvement of various jewellers in the State in the smuggling cases.
