Kochi: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Wednesday arrested Rahul Pandit, a customs inspector attached with Kozhikode Preventive Division, for allegedly facilitating gold smuggling through Kerala airports.
The arrest follows the seizure of 11 kg of gold from three carriers at Kannur International Airport on August 19. The DRI recorded his arrest after interrogation at its Kochi office.
Following this, customs preventive commissioner Sumit Kumar suspended Mr Pandit from service.
"His involvement with smugglers was earlier detected and was moved to a non-sensitive post at the preventive division in Kozhikode," he said.
"A vigilance enquiry was started against the officer following the seizure of gold in Kannur. Meanwhile, the DRI also conducted the probe, which resulted in the arrest."
Sources said that even after he shifting to the preventive division, he continued to assist smugglers with the help of his subordinates in other airports.
The DRI also identified three more customs officials who were facilitating smugglers. They are currently being quizzed at the DRI office.
"Actions will be taken against other officers based on the DRI probe," Mr Kumar said.
"Zero tolerance is the policy against corrupt officials and smugglers in uniform."
