Indo-Bhutan Customs Summit in Munnar to Focus on Intelligence Sharing for Operation Numkhor
A significant Indo-Bhutan joint customs group and integrated border management summit is scheduled to take place in Munnar from April 20 to 23. This high-level meeting is poised to enhance bilateral cooperation, with a primary focus on intelligence sharing regarding the ongoing Operation Numkhor, a statewide crackdown led by the commissionerate of customs (preventive) unit based in Kochi.
Bhutanese Delegation to Gather Critical Information
According to reliable sources, a delegation from Bhutan's customs department will actively participate in the summit to gather detailed information about Operation Numkhor from their counterparts in Kerala. This initiative underscores the cross-border nature of the investigation, as agencies in Bhutan have already launched a parallel probe into the matter. The issue was previously discussed during home secretary-level talks between India and Bhutan held in October of last year, highlighting its importance in bilateral relations.
Operation Numkhor: Targeting a Sophisticated Smuggling Racket
Operation Numkhor is a comprehensive statewide operation targeting a sophisticated racket suspected of dealing in cars allegedly smuggled from Bhutan. The vehicles were reportedly registered using forged documents in other Indian states before being resold in Kerala. As part of this operation, customs officers have seized numerous cars, including some sold to high-profile celebrities, disrupting the illicit network.
Recent Developments and Legal Actions
In a related development, the special court for considering economic offences cases in Kochi has issued non-bailable warrants against four key suspects based in Assam, intensifying the legal pursuit of those involved. Additionally, customs officers have seized five more Bhutanese-registered vehicles from Kozhikode, further expanding the scope of the investigation and demonstrating the ongoing efforts to curb such activities.
Broader Bilateral Concerns on the Agenda
Beyond Operation Numkhor, the summit is expected to address a range of other bilateral concerns, fostering stronger ties and collaborative strategies between India and Bhutan in customs and border management. This meeting represents a crucial step in enhancing regional security and economic integrity through shared intelligence and coordinated actions.
