Major Smuggling Racket Busted: Areca Nuts Hidden in Industrial Goods

Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House intercepted two consignments of 15 containers concealing areca nuts falsely declared as bitumen and LLDP. The tariff value of the nuts was Rs 9.23 crore. Harsh Rajyaguru, an Indian-origin person, was arrested for his pivotal role in the smuggling.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House (JNCH) successfully intercepted two consignments of 15 containers that were concealing areca nuts, which had been declared as bitumen and LLDP, an industrial product. The containers were destined for ICD Tughlakabad in Delhi, an official reported on Tuesday.

According to the customs official, the tariff value of the seized areca nuts amounted to Rs 9.23 crore. The import operation was orchestrated by an overseas supplier associated with the Indian-origin individual Harsh Rajyaguru. It appears Rajyaguru played a key role in the smuggling activities. Consequently, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him, leading to his interception and arrest by the Bureau of Immigration at the Goa airport.

JNCH, based in Nhava Sheva, Raigad district, is responsible for the clearance of import and export cargo at the Nhava Sheva port. The port operates under the administration of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA).

(With inputs from agencies.)