Kozhikode: In a shocking security lapse with potentially imponderable consequences, the door frame metal detector (DFMD) installed at the Customs area of the airport arrival hall at Karipur airport has not been working for over two years. So is the re-examination x-ray, which is used to re-examine luggage suspected to contain dutiable items or contraband after the initial luggage scan.
Intelligence agencies have raised repeated alarms that the lapse could be exploited by people to smuggle in gold or even dangerous objects. A senior Customs official confirmed to TOI that the door frame metal detector at the arrival area has not been functioning for a long time. "There is definitely a security issue involved but as an alternative arrangement we have been examining passengers through hand-held metal detectors," he said.The official said that though the department higher-ups have been notified about the issue several times, the problem is yet to be rectified.
26/11/12 Times of India
