Kochi, Oct 16 (UNI) In a major catch, officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Cochin Zonal Unit, have seized diamonds valued at around Rs 2 crore from a passenger who was attempting to smuggle them out of the country through Cochin International Airport (CIAL).
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted a passenger bound for Thailand and recovered the diamonds that were ingeniously concealed on his body.
The passenger was arrested yesterday, and further investigation is underway, a release said.
Officials said this is the first instance in recent times where an attempt was made to smuggle diamonds out of India through any airport in Kerala.
The DRI has been maintaining a high level of vigilance against smuggling activities. In the current financial year alone, the Cochin Zonal Unit has seized narcotic drugs worth about Rs 40 crore.
As part of the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ (Drug-Free India) initiative, the DRI reiterated its commitment to protect society from the menace of drugs and to safeguard India’s economic frontiers with sustained vigilance and enforcement efforts.
