Revenue sleuths seize antiques worth 16.9 crore

Chennai: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Chennai, has held 2 containers consisting 36 tonnes of expensive antiques worth Rs 16.2 crores which were to be smuggled to Middle East and South East Asia through Chennai Port.

Officials said they got the tip-off on July 1. Acting on a tip-off, DRI officials conducted raids at Chennai Port and at a private godown at Vanagaram and seized red sanders logs. During the raids, they also seized several antique stone idols, rare artefacts and handicrafts.

The seized items include idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, flower vases and brass and copper articles with heritage value.