Swapna, Sandeep charged with COFEPOSA; to be kept in preventive custody

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Gold smuggling case accused Swapna Suresh and Sandeep will be kept in preventive custody for up to 1 year. The two have been charged under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities (COFEPOSA) act. The order was issued by a COFEPOSA committee which consists of High Court judges.

COFEPOSA is usually charged against accused in financial crimes. The action is based on Customs' claim that the accused are a threat to the country's financial security. Agencies can keep the accused charged with COFEPOSA in preventive custody for up to one year.

The Kerala gold smuggling case, which is being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Enforcement Directorate and the Customs department, pertains to the smuggling of gold in the state through diplomatic channels.
The matter had come to light after 30 kg gold worth Rs 14.82 crores smuggled in a consignment camouflaged as diplomatic baggage was busted by the Customs in Thiruvananthapuram on July 5.