The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a bribery case against three Customs officials, including a retired Superintendent and two Inspectors, for alleged abuse of official position and receipt of illegal gratification in connection with the release of smuggled goods in Mizoram.

According to an official press release issued by the CBI, the FIR was registered on February 3, 2026, following a complaint filed by the Additional Commissioner of Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST), Guwahati. The accused officials were earlier posted at the Customs Preventive Force (CPF), Champhai, Mizoram.

The agency has alleged that during the period 2022–2023, the officials illegally detained smuggled consignments, including arecanuts and cigarettes, without preparing any lawful seizure or detention documents. It is further alleged that the officials demanded and accepted bribes from the concerned parties for releasing the detained goods.

The CBI claims that bribes exceeding Rs. 35 lakh were received in multiple instances, following which the confiscated goods were unlawfully released. In addition to the bribery allegations, the investigation has also revealed serious lapses in custody and handling of seized goods. Goods valued at over Rs. 1.42 crore were allegedly found missing from government godowns in relation to seizures effected between December 23, 2022, and April 26, 2023.

As part of the ongoing probe, the CBI is conducting searches at the premises linked to the accused at multiple locations across the country, including Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh), Guwahati (Assam), Sikar (Rajasthan), Patna (Bihar), and Churachandpur (Manipur).

The CBI stated that the investigation is continuing and further developments are expected as evidence is examined and statements are recorded.

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