New Delhi: Headlines Today had first reported how on 20th October two Air India cabin crew members were arrested for smuggling 45 kg of sandalwood. When quizzed the duo had blamed the pathetic financial condition of the national carrier that had left them with no option but to resort to such illegal means to earn money. The news was shocking in itself and it left many unanswered questions. How was it possible for the international smugglers to get in touch with these crew members? Was the financial condition so bad that the employees have to resort to smuggling? Most importantly, we had to know was this simply a one off incident or not.
Headlines Today then set itself out to meet the various airport agencies like the CISF, Customs and the Airport Police. These agencies did accept that such illegal activities do take place but also asserted that they were alert all the time. Airport DCP refused to come on camera or reveal details about the extent of smuggling that takes place inside the airport. CISF and Customs officials also refused to come on camera. Sources in the Customs however did tell us that in the past many cases had come up wherein the pilots and crew of reputed airlines were caught smuggling. Red Sandalwood, the sources maintained topped the list among the smuggling items. It is interesting to note that red sandalwood or red sanders is a banned item. It cannot be exported and the trees cannot be felled. Sources revealed that the wood is not so much in demand in India but it is a much sought after item in countries like Japan, China and Indonesia. This wood we were told is used to make musical instruments and the market price is very high of its value added form.
28/10/13 Pankaj Upadhyay/India Today
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Headlines Today then set itself out to meet the various airport agencies like the CISF, Customs and the Airport Police. These agencies did accept that such illegal activities do take place but also asserted that they were alert all the time. Airport DCP refused to come on camera or reveal details about the extent of smuggling that takes place inside the airport. CISF and Customs officials also refused to come on camera. Sources in the Customs however did tell us that in the past many cases had come up wherein the pilots and crew of reputed airlines were caught smuggling. Red Sandalwood, the sources maintained topped the list among the smuggling items. It is interesting to note that red sandalwood or red sanders is a banned item. It cannot be exported and the trees cannot be felled. Sources revealed that the wood is not so much in demand in India but it is a much sought after item in countries like Japan, China and Indonesia. This wood we were told is used to make musical instruments and the market price is very high of its value added form.
28/10/13 Pankaj Upadhyay/India Today
