(a) whether the cases of smuggling of medical equipments have been on
the increase during the last few months;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the smuggled medical equipments have been confiscated at
Delhi Airport recently;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the measures being taken to check smuggling of medical equipments?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI S.S.PALANIMANICKAM)
(a) No, Sir.
(b) Nil in view of above (a).
(c)&(d) On 03-04-2007, medical equipments (Endoscopes, Spares & PCBs) valued at Rs.0.19
crores were recovered from a passenger EDAKARA CHACKO ABRHAM, coming from U.S.A via Moscow
by Aeroflot flight, and were seized under Section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962.
(e) All Customs field formations including Directorate of Revenue Intelligence have been
alerted to prevent and thwart the smuggling of medical equipments into the country.