Indian Customs detains man caught with 231 arowana fish from KL

Chennai: A chappati-maker returning to India after a four-month stay in Kuala Lumpur was detained by airport officials yesterday for smuggling in 231 Arowana fish, intended for supply to a local buyer in the southern city.
Chennai Airport Customs, during a routine check, questioned the passenger of Air India flight IC956 after he crossed the green lane with his baggage.
Chennai Customs (Airport) Joint Commissioner K. Engineer said the 38-year-old suspect was believed to have worked in a restaurant in Kuala Lumpur since April and was used as a courier by a Chennai-based syndicate.
“He carried only one baggage with him which was filled with ornamental fish. They were small and medium-sized, all packed in polythene covers filled with oxygen and water. All the fish were alive. We believe he is just a courier,” Engineer told Bernama.
The seized ornamental fish, which is popular and fetches good market price in India, was estimated to be worth RM12,300.
All the fish were returned to Malaysia last night by the same flight, to be deposited at the Malaysian Customs, Engineer added.
22/07/08 P. Vijian/Bernama/New Straits Times, Malaysia

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: Airports Jul 2008, Foreign Jul 2008