Directorate of Revenue Intelligence sleuths detain customs agent

The officials of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai, have allegedly detained a Custom House Agent in Jamnagar in connection with a sandalwood smuggling case.

The man under suspicion was taken to Mumbai after the officials recorded his statement with the DRI, Ahmedabad.

DNA had reported on Thursday that a man named Ajit was picked up by the DRI sleuths from Jamnagar. On Friday sources said that Ajit was detained in connection with an old smuggling case unearthed by the DRI, Mumbai sometime back. Sources refused to give further details as the case was being investigated by the DRI, Mumbai.

It has been learnt that some months ago DRI had detected a case in which Ajit was caught while attempting to smuggle sandalwood which was hidden in stainless steel pipes. Sources said that DRI officials in Mumbai have some clues about the sandalwood mafia who are under investigation and they have summoned Ajit for further information.

"From Jamnagar, Ajit was brought to DRI, Ahmedabad where they recorded his statements. Later on the officials took him to Mumbai for further investigation. The case seems to be connected with the murder of senior journalist Jyotirmoy Dey who was shot dead six days ago," sources said.