Customs detects smuggling evasion of 72 lakh

Kochi, May 15: The Kerala Customs detected smuggling and customs duty evasions worth about Rs 72 lakh during 2005-06, Mr P Ayyam Perumal, Commissioner of Customs Preventive, Kerala, said today.

Mr Perumal, who was talking to reporters here after taking charge as Commissioner of Customs Preventive Kerala, said the department also destroyed 'ganja' cultivation spread over 12.5 acres and about 16,000 'ganja' plants.

The customs had detected smuggling of goods worth Rs 8.64 lakh and customs duty evasion worth Rs 63.40 lakh. Urging people to give information to the commissionerate regarding smuggling or illegal activities, Mr Perumal said the informers will be entitled to get 20 per cent of the evaded duty amount as reward.

UNI