Four senior officials, including a senior director of customs, have been suspended over the release of a container filled with illegally imported perfumes and lotions, initially held at the ‘Grey Line 2’ cargo inspection section for inspection. Among the suspended officials are a Deputy Director of Customs, an Additional Deputy Director of Customs, and a Customs Superintendent. The involvement of these high-ranking officials in such a serious incident has raised significant concerns.
The container, valued at over one crore rupees, was released on the 12th of this month by altering documents in the investigation file and using fake documents. The perfumes and lotions remained unaccounted for until the afternoon of the 18th.
In January, customs seized the container and fined the importer for the illegal goods, but the fines were not paid. On the 12th, which coincided with the annual transfer date of customs officers, the documents were altered, and the container was released.
The fake documents were discovered in the Customs Central Price Inspection Section, prompting further investigation by the Customs Department. A senior customs officer emphasized that such corrupt practices make it difficult to prevent unhealthy and carcinogenic cosmetics, substandard goods, inferior drugs, and unfit food from entering the market.
