Thiruvananthapuram: Customs Department officials have arrested a former employee of the UAE consulate here on charges of smuggling gold through diplomatic channel at the Trivandrum International Airport.

Officials had seized 30 Kg of gold, brought as house-hold items in diplomatic baggage, from the airport cargo on Sunday. A woman, Swapna Suresh, believed to be involved in the case is absconding. She is a senior officer with the State Income Tax Department had been terminated following reports about her involvement in the case. She, too, was earlier employed by the consulate.

The person, Sarith, had received the cargo to be a consulate staff. He is being questioned at the Commissionarate of Customs (Preventive), Cochin. It is alleged that he had been receiving cargo for the consulate for the past one year by claiming to be working as a public relations officer. Custom Officers knew that the consignment was illegal and had sought approval from high authorities to examine it. As per procedure, the consignment was opened infront of the consignee who disowned it.

The person who came to claim the cargo had not been a consulate staff for the past one year. We are investigating how such a person could receive the cargo. He is cooperating with us and we hope the others will surrender soon, said Customs Commissioner.