As part of Operation Numkoor, the Customs and Central Excise Department in Kerala carried out extensive raids across multiple locations targeting a network allegedly involved in smuggling and selling luxury SUVs into the state from Bhutan. The investigation reportedly involves film industry professionals, used car dealers, and business figures.
Officials confirmed that 11 vehicles were seized from seven locations in Kozhikode and Malappuram, including two belonging to actor Dulquer Salmaan. Raids extended to four showrooms, three private homes, and properties of industrialists, techies, and Malayalam film stars, including Dulquer Salmaan and Prithviraj Sukumaran. However, authorities clarified that individuals who may have unknowingly purchased the smuggled vehicles, such as actors or other end users, are not automatically considered suspects in the smuggling network.
According to customs officials, the operation targets a smuggling ring importing high-end pre-owned SUVs from Bhutan without paying taxes. These vehicles were then sold in Kerala after being routed through Indian border states. “Vehicles are either driven in or transported in containers to states near the border. With forged paperwork, they’re typically registered in states like Himachal Pradesh before reaching buyers in Kerala. We’ve identified vehicles with registration plates from Himachal, Karnataka, and Maharashtra,” an official said.
The seized vehicles include Land Cruisers, Land Rovers, Tata SUVs, and Mahindra-Tata trucks, some dating back to 1991. Sources explained that these vehicles are often acquired at minimal cost, refurbished, and resold at significantly higher prices, with many newer models entering the Kerala market in the past two years.
The vehicles confiscated during the raids have been transferred to the customs office at Karipur airport for further investigation. Authorities have collected documents and lists of people allegedly involved in the smuggling operation, which is believed to include second-hand car dealers, intermediaries, and agents.
The ongoing probe has attracted attention on social media due to the involvement of prominent film stars and the scale of the operation, which has seen over 20 locations across the state raided. Customs officials have announced that further details will be shared in a press briefing later in the day.
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