Pay 'customs' to get guns delivered

Revenue Intelligence officials expose Customs Department smuggling racket ; 15 officials are suspended

Want to smuggle in RDX and guns or sneak in other banned goods? You don't have to call an underworld don. There is an easier way out. Bribe the customs officials and you will be free to receive your goods without any inspection.

This smuggling racket running into crores was exposed this week as the Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) cracked down on corrupt customs officials. Following the DRI action, the Customs Department suspended over a dozen officials for their alleged involvement in the racket. According to sources, many more heads are likely to roll.

The DRI found out that the customs officials at the New Delhi Inland Container Depot (ICD), Tughlaqabad, were issuing 100 per cent physical inspection certificates without even getting the custody of the containers.

"We have suspended 15 officials. The DRI has registered a case and is investigating it further. We do not have more information on it," said Customs Commissioner, CP Shrivastava. "The officials were placed under suspension with immediate affect. I cannot comment on the matter," he added..

Unearthing such a racket assumes significance at a time when the country is facing serious threat from terrorists smuggling arms from foreign lands. Earlier, rocket shells and explosives were found at regular intervals in shipments from the Middle East and Vietnam.

"The officials were just stamping documents, giving clearances with impunity. We were able to track 29 such cases. Records revealed that many goods which were cleared never entered the ICD," said a DRI officer, wishing anonymity. "We caught them clearing electronic goods and synthetic woolen clothes," the officer said.