Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Oct 31: Officials of the directorate of revenue intelligence have arrested a customs official from here on the allegation of extending cooperation for smuggling of gold into the country through the international airport here.

During the checking of Nizar Khader from Mulleria, Kasargod, who had arrived by the SpiceJet flight from Dubai on September 20, the customs officials had found him carrying gold worth Rs 47 lac illegally. The officials of the revenue intelligence had arrested him on the spot.

During his questioning, an airport official, identified as Srikanth, was arrested. Gold worth about Rs 25 lac was found from his residence. During their continued inquiry, the officials arrested Akbar Siddique, who used to buy gold from the smugglers. When interrogating him, he reportedly revealed that customs official, Ashwin, too was involved with this racket. Thereafter, Ashwin was taken into custody.