(a) whether cardamom, cloves and areca are being smuggled into
India;
(b) if so, the total quantity of each of these items seized
during the last two years, port-wise; and
(c) the preventive steps taken to stop smuggling of these items
into the country?
MINISTER OF STATE(REVENUE) IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI GINGEE N. RAMACHANDRAN)
(a) & (b) : Yes, Sir. The quantity of smuggled Cardamom, cloves
and areca (betel nuts) seized by the field formations of
Customs Department including Directorate of Revenue
Intelligence (D.R.I.) during years 1998-99, 1999-2000 and 2000-
2001 (upto February, 2001), port-wise, is indicated in the
Annexure.
(c): All the field formations of Customs Department including
D.R.I. are vigilant and alert to detect and prevent smuggling of
contraband goods including cardamom, cloves and areca.
ANNEXURE
QUANTITIES OF CARDAMOM, CLOVES AND ARECA SEIZED DURING THE YEARS
1998-99, 1999-2000 AND 2000-2001 (UPTO FEBRUARY, 2001), PORT-WISE
(A) CARDAMOM: NIL
(B) CLOVES:
S.NO. Name of the Port Quantity seized (in Kgs.)
1989-99 99-2000 2000-2001 (Upto February, 2001)
1. Tuticorin 31,560
(C) ARECA (BETELNUTS):
S.NO. Name of the Port Quantity seized (in Kgs.)
1989-99 1999-2000 2000-2001 (Upt February, 2001)
1. Chennai Port 7,14,000
2. Tuticorin Port 39,243
Note: Except as mentioned above, no seizures of Cardamom, Cloves and Areca (betelnuts) have been effected at any other ports.