THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an unusual move, Customs seized 11 mobile phones and two pen drives of UAE Consul General Jamal Al Sabi, who has diplomatic protection. The bag containing personal belongings was taken from Al Sabee's flat in Thiruvananthapuram to the Thiruvananthapuram Air Cargo Complex to be sent to Dubai through the diplomatic channel.

Customs had earlier obtained permission from the Centre to open the Consul General's bag following information that he was smuggling important documents regarding the gold and dollar smuggling case. But consulate officials argued that the bag was only allowed to be inspected and that phones and pen drives could not be seized. They were seized by customs after a dispute. The bag was then allowed to be sent to Dubai. The consul general, who went to Dubai before the gold smuggling was busted, has not returned since.

At the same time, there are indications that Jamal al-Sabi had asked the Centre to allow his goods to be delivered to the UAE. The bag was inspected in the presence of consulate officials.

Seized phones and pen drives will be sent for scientific testing. Earlier, the customs court was told that the consul general was involved in the gold and dollar smuggling. But he cannot be prosecuted because he has diplomatic protection.

Attache's flat was also inspected

The NIA and customs had earlier inspected the flat in Pattoor, where the attache Rashid Khamis Ali Musaikhari al-Shameeli was staying. Four consulate officials, including Attache, lived here. The visitor register was seized and CCTV footage was examined. Attache had left the country after being caught smuggling gold.