The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized antiques and suspected historical artefacts worth over Rs 26.8 crore as they were being allegedly smuggled at the Mundra Port in Gujarat.
The container had the importer’s “personal effects," and arrived from the Jebel Ali port, which is near Dubai in United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The container was kept a side for detailed examination “acting upon specific intelligence," the DRI said in a statement.
It was labeled as ‘Unaccompanied Baggage for Personal Effects.’ Upon inspection several antiques, valuable paintings, historical artefacts were seized.
ડીઆરઆઈએ રૂ. 26.8 કરોડથી વધુની કિંમતની આર્ટ અને એન્ટિક વસ્તુઓ જપ્ત કરીhttps://t.co/j4TWVdVLkm@FinMinIndia @cbic_india pic.twitter.com/UyptbpLblC— PIB in Gujarat 🇮🇳 (@PIBAhmedabad) September 11, 2023
“Continuing its resolve to protect global cultural heritage, the DRI has seized vintage articles, antiques and historical artefacts, estimated to be valued at over Rs 26.8 crore in the market, from an import consignment," the statement read.
It further said that some of these artifacts dated back to the 19th century and were made of materials such as gold, silver among others.
These originated from European countries including the UK and Netherlands, and they were “undervalued to avoid customs duty," the DRI said.
The statement also said that these items had a massive demand in the black market.