Bengaluru’s Central Crime Branch (CCB) dealt a sweet blow to illegal imports. In a surprise raid on a Kalasipalyam warehouse in Bengaluru on July 8, the Central Crime Branch’s (CCB) Economic Offences Wing seized a stash of illegally imported chocolates and biscuits worth a staggering ₹1 crore. The operation also led to the arrest of 45-year-old Narendra Singh, originally from Rajasthan.
Illegally Imported Chocolates & Biscuits Seized
Singh’s modus operandi was as audacious as it was deceitful. He allegedly bypassed import regulations and stored the smuggled chocolates and biscuits in the warehouse. But his plan didn’t stop there. Investigators believe Singh then distributed these goods to supermarkets and vendors across the city.
To further dupe unsuspecting customers, Singh reportedly went a step further. A police source close to the investigation revealed that Singh would allegedly paste fake Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) stickers on the products, falsely claiming they had passed the required safety checks. This ploy wasn’t his only one. The officer further stated that Singh would even change the price tags, inflating the cost of the smuggled goods.
Smuggling Route Under Investigation
The smuggling route Singh employed remains under investigation. However, preliminary enquiries suggest he may have used waterways to bring the chocolates and biscuits into the country. The CCB is currently scrutinising shipment details and piecing together the entire “smuggling route.”
The seriousness of the situation is further underscored by the findings of the Food and Civil Supplies Department. A deputy director from the department conducted checks on the seized goods and confirmed they failed to meet the mandated food safety standards, as per a CCB press release.
This operation by the CCB’s Economic Offences Wing highlights the lengths some go to in order to turn a profit, often at the expense of consumer safety. The investigation into Singh’s smuggling route and the fate of the seized goods remains ongoing.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (Representative Image)
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