Passenger held at Mangalore airport for smuggling saffron

The Customs sleuths on Wednesday arrested a Kasaragod resident for allegedly smuggling of 10 kg of Iranian saffron in the Mangalore International Airport.

According to Customs officials, Abdul Shukkur Pallipuzha, a resident of Pallikere in Kasargod, was found carrying “Badiee” brand Iranian saffron in two carton boxes. The saffron was found among cloths and other household articles being carried in the carton boxes.

Officials said Pallipuzha was working in a company in Dubai. His friend, who is in Dubai, had handed him saffron when Pallipuzha was on his way to meet his family members. Pallipuzha arrived in the city in an Air India Express flight.

Officials said Pallipuzha was trying to bring in saffron without paying 35.06 per cent customs duty. The 10 kg of Iranian saffron was worth Rs. 10 lakh, officials said. Pallipuzha has been arrested by officials and produced before jurisdictional magistrate.

This is the second time a passenger has been found smuggling Iranian saffron in the last 15 days. A Kasargod resident was arrested for smuggling 12 kg of Iranian saffron on August 22. Customs officials have seized as much as 52 kg of Iranian saffron, which is in great demand in Kerala, since January, officials said.