A DMK councillor from Thoothukudi Corporation has been arrested in connection with the import of areca nut from Indonesia.
A shipment from Indonesia arrived at the Thoothukudi port last November where it was reported to contain cashew kernels as per the documentation. However, officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) inspected a few containers from the shipment and found 23 tonnes of areca nut.
The officials seized the contraband, with a market value of about ₹1.8 crore and launched an investigation.
As part of the inquiry, the DRI officials detained four private firm employees in connection with the import. Based on the information provided by them, the councillor of Ward 18 of the Thoothukudi Corporation, Srinivasan, was arrested.
Following a medical examination, he has been remanded in judicial custody.
