PANJIM: In a significant seizure ahead of Goa polls, bundles of Indian currency notes stashed in containers were found by law enforcement agencies near Panjim port.
Sources claim that the total seizure is worth several crores of rupees and investigations have been launched to ascertain the source of the money.
Officials told that the money, which was recovered from 20 containers, arrived in a cargo ship somewhere between January 24 and 30. It was shipped from Mumbai port. Local police were not taken into confidence even after the seizure.
The cash was stashed below regular cargo. In addition to these containers, two more containers carrying US dollars had also been reportedly confiscated by agencies, a day before this seizure.The joint operation was conducted by Mumbai Police’s Anti Narcotics Bureau and Goa Police. However, none of the officials from these agencies have issued a formal statement.
The seizure is kept under wraps considering the forthcoming crucial Goa polls.“Mumbai officials were actually chasing a drug peddler who was supposed to arrive Goa with 400 grams cocaine,’ said sources.The law enforcement agencies are perplexed as they are not making much headway into the investigation.A joint meeting of higher level officials from Goa and Mumbai was held recently.Sources stated that one person was arrested by the authorities but was released subsequently.Sources stated that the exact amount of money is not disclosed by the agencies.The money is claimed to have been kept at a safe place. The angle whether the money was routed for terrorist activities is also being checked by the agencies, who are interrogating various people.
After this incident, various courier services have been kept under the scanner by authorities since there is suspicion that they may be used as conduit for drugs, explosives and currency.
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