By P. Vijian, Bernama,
Chennai : A chappati maker returning to India after a four-month stay in Kuala Lumpur was detained by airport officials yesterday for smuggling in 231 Arowana fish, intended for supply to a local buyer in the southern city.
Chennai Airport Customs, during a routine check, questioned the passenger of Air India flight IC956 after he crossed the green lane with his baggage.
Chennai Customs (Airport) Joint Commissioner K.Engineer said the 38-year-old suspect was believed to have worked in a restaurant in Kuala Lumpur since April and was used as a courier by a Chennai-based syndicate.
“He carried only one baggage with him which was filled with ornamental fish. They were small and medium-size, all packed in polythene covers filled with oxygen and water. All the fish was alive. We believe he is just a courier,” Engineer told Bernama.
The seized ornamental fish, which is popular and fetches good market price in India, was estimated to be worth RM12,300.
Last year, Chennai Customs made 17 seizures of ornamental fish and this was the second arrest this year.
Engineer said that since the suspect did not possess any valid document to import the live fiswas confiscated under the Customs Act 1962 and the man was detained for further investigation.
All the fish was returned to Malaysia last night by the same flight to be deposited at the Malaysian Customs, he added.