The sleuths of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) have seized containers carrying red sanders, handicrafts, artifacts and antique products over Rs 16.20 crore.
Acting on a tip-off that the goods were being smuggled to the Middle East and South East Asian Countries from Chennai, the officials seized a couple of containers at the Chennai port last week, according to an official release.
While a DRI team conducted a search operation at a private godown, another team examined the containers at the Chennai port, it said.
Around 17.50 metric tonne of red sanders valued at Rs 7.90 crore in the godown was seized before it could be smuggled to Dubai, the release said.
One more container which was supposed to leave for UAE from Chennai was seized. It contained 18 metric tonne of red sanders valued at Rs 8.30 crore, it said.
Antique stone idols, ivory statues and wooden carvings of Hindu gods are among other items seized by the DRI officers.
"The value of total goods seized during the operation including the red sanders, antique was more than Rs 16.20 crore," the release said.
Several persons have been detained in the connection and appropriate legal action would be taken against them under the Customs Act, 1962, it said.
