DRI uncovers Rs 2,500 crore duty evasion through fraudulent SAFTA claims on areca nuts

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has uncovered a major areca nut import racket involving fraudulent SAFTA claims and false declarations of Bangladesh as the country of origin. The operation allegedly caused over Rs 2,500 crore in customs duty losses, with nine arrests, Rs 75 lakh cash and 160 MT of areca nuts seized.