In one of the largest anti-smuggling operations in recent times, Kerala Customs officials have seized 36 high-end luxury vehicles linked to an elaborate smuggling racket. The crackdown, carried out under the codename “Operation Numkhor”, targeted a network involved in illegally importing and registering cars from Bhutan using forged Army and embassy seals.
The operation was launched after months of investigation into suspicious activities in automobile showrooms and customs facilities across the state. Investigators revealed that the syndicate used counterfeit documentation, including fake Army seals and embassy certifications, to bypass legal import protocols and tax duties.
Kerala Customs sources said the seized vehicles include premium brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Range Rover, and Porsche, with an estimated market value exceeding ₹150 crore. The operation was conducted in multiple phases, targeting both private individuals and commercial showrooms suspected of participating in the racket. Customs officials raided various premises across Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode. Several key suspects have been detained for questioning, and further investigations are ongoing to trace the origins of the smuggling network.
According to officials, the gang exploited diplomatic loopholes and forged official seals to falsely register imported luxury vehicles as “government or diplomatic property,” enabling them to evade hefty customs duties. Sources confirmed that many of these vehicles were initially decommissioned military vehicles from Bhutan, later refurbished and smuggled into India under fraudulent paperwork. A senior Customs officer said, “The level of sophistication in this smuggling operation is unprecedented. Forging Army and embassy seals indicates a serious breach of security protocols.”
The case has triggered serious concerns among customs and security agencies. Authorities have stressed that such smuggling operations not only result in massive revenue loss but also pose risks to national security. Investigations are now expanding to identify any larger networks operating across state and national borders. Experts believe that the crackdown may set a precedent for stricter enforcement against smuggling, especially in the luxury automobile sector. An industry analyst noted, “The scale of this operation shows how organized smuggling has become. This case could lead to tighter regulations and increased scrutiny of imported vehicles.”
Operation Numkhor marks a major victory for Kerala Customs in the fight against organized smuggling. Officials reaffirm their commitment to dismantling such networks and protecting the integrity of India’s customs system. Further developments in the investigation are awaited, and more arrests are expected in the coming weeks.
