The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) carried out a significant operation on Tuesday, resulting in the arrest of three mid-level officers from Chennai Customs, a New Delhi-based importer, and a Customs House Agent (CHA) for allegedly misdeclaring an import shipment at Chennai Port. The accused were found to have falsely declared green peas worth ₹2 crore as masoor dal, sources revealed.
It is worthwhile to note that as per the existing policy of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), green peas can be imported only through the Kolkata seaport with a minimum import price of Rs 200 per kg.
Investigators have also placed a senior official from Chennai Seaport Customs’ export commissionerate under scrutiny in connection with the case. The fraudulent import activity came to light after DRI officials in Delhi identified the involvement of a woman importer based in the national capital, sources said.
The arrested Customs personnel include officials holding the ranks of superintendent and appraiser. Raids were conducted at various locations linked to them, leading to the seizure of ₹60 lakh in cash and gold from the residence of one of the detained officers. Additionally, a premises associated with the senior Customs official in Virugambakkam was also searched.
According to officials familiar with the case, the accused Customs officers allegedly conspired with the importer to bypass restrictions on green pea imports by misdeclaring them as masoor dal. As per the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) regulations, green peas can only be imported through Kolkata seaport with a minimum import price (MIP) of ₹200 per kg, while masoor dal enjoys an exemption from such restrictions. The MIP is enforced by the central government to protect domestic farmers and prevent cheaper imports.
So far, five containers carrying green peas, valued at ₹2 crore, have been seized at Chennai Port. Sources indicate that the DRI is likely to expand its probe to investigate potential links between these officials and other smuggling operations.
The accused have been booked under Section 135 of the Customs Act, as the confiscated goods exceed the ₹1 crore threshold, making the offense a serious economic crime.
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