THOOTHUKUDI
Customs officials of Thoothukudi seized 9.5 tonnes of red sanders from a container after intercepting a lorry near Eliyarpathi toll gate on the outskirts of Madurai.
The seized quantity of red sanders was valued at ₹3 crore, Assistant Commissioner V. Rajkumar Moses said here on Thursday while addressing a press conference.
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A team of officials, led by Superintendent K. Dhanasekaran, mounted surveillance at various points on the movement of the suspected container with prohibited red sanders.
After intercepting the vehicle on Wednesday evening, the team found the contraband inside the container. Investigation revealed that the seized contraband was intended to be smuggled to Malaysia in the guise of vacuum pumps, which were also seized.
The trailer was transporting the contraband under different fake registration number plates. Three persons – an agent, a lorry driver and cleaner – were picked up for interrogation, the Assistant Commissioner said.
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Investigation into the origin of the consignment is on.