KOCHI: Three culprits including the customs head havildar are held in preventive custody after imposing COFE POSA. They’ll be held here for almost one year. Kannamali native Sunil Francis, the customs head havildar, passenger Adidan Khalid and Muvattupuzha native P.A. Faisal, who is the key person in gold smuggling was caught by DRI.

The three had indulged in gold smuggling several times before this. Customs havildar Sunil Francis is currently under suspension. Adidan Khalid organized the mafia’s work in Dubai. Faisal was released from jail in July 2018 after being charged with COFE POSA for smuggling case in 2015. Right after getting released, he started smuggling again. In relation to smuggling case in 2015, 36 were arrested which includes one emigration official. Faisal went into hiding for over 2 years due to that case. However, a special investigation team found and jailed him.