DRI arrests a Custom house agent for stealing goods worth Rs 56 Cr in Raigad

MUMBAI : The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested a custom house agent (CHA) who allegedly connived with a few others and broke open three containers sealed by the Customs at Nhava Sheva.

He also allegedly stole the imported goods viz betel nuts, black papers areca nuts and other items worth Rs 56 crore stored at Customs warehouse. The arrested agent has been identified as Akshay Shankar Phadale, a resident of Bhatwadi in Ghatkopar.

The Customs officials had lodged a complaint that the goods seized by the department, which were allowed for warehousing in Akshay Logistic, were being clandestinely removed and were illegally diverted to the local market to evade the custom duty. Officials said that Akshay Logistic has violated the condition imposed while providing the license for the public bonded warehouse.