Customs suspend DHL licence to operate from Bangalore airport

Custom officials at the airport confiscated a consignment ferried by the company as they found gold in a packet

Logistics major DHL's licence to operate as a courier service provider from Bangalore airport has been suspended following confiscation of a consignment originating from Singapore that allegedly contained gold.

The company has approached the Karnataka High Court against the suspension.

"It is a fact that DHL's licence to operate as a courier service provider from Bangalore has been suspended," said a source in the know of the development.

According to sources, customs officials at the airport confiscated a consignment ferried by DHL from Singapore to Bangalore as they found gold/gold items in a packet.

When contacted a DHL spokesperson said: "A suspicious consignment was intercepted by customs in Bengaluru, which is being investigated."

The company declined to comment on details such as to whom did the consignment belong and what was the value of the gold/gold items.

"As the matter is sub-judice we cannot comment further," the spokesperson said.

Under current regulations, precious metals, including gold and sliver, can't be imported through courier-on-board mode.

"Our close working relationship with Customs authorities will help understand and address concerns raised regarding this shipment. We are fully co-operating with the Customs authorities to support the investigation," the company spokesperson said.