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Int'l SIMs link customs officers to smugglers

The New Indian Express

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August 05, 2024

A recent directive of the principal commissioner of Chennai Customs asking all officials posted at the city's international airport to avoid using cell phones during shift hours has blown the lid off the officergold smuggler nexus, sources said.

- SIDDHARTH PRABHAKAR

The instruction was allegedly given over suspicions regarding the collusion between a section of customs officers and smugglers. This comes after the agency cracked down on various nexuses involving smugglers and airport contract staff.

According to multiple sources, smugglers have 'gifted' smartphones with international SIM cards to a few officials to ensure the smooth passage of their carriers (kuruvis) who smuggle gold from countries like UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.

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