Indo-Bhutan joint summit to discuss Operation Numkhor

Kochi: An Indo-Bhutan joint customs group and integrated border management summit, scheduled to be held in Munnar from April 20 to 23, is likely to see intelligence sharing between the customs formations regarding the ongoing Operation Numkhor launched by commissionerate of customs (preventive) (CCP) unit in Kochi. According to sources, a delegation from Bhutan's customs department would gather information regarding the operation from their counterparts in Kerala. The summit is also expected to address a range of other bilateral concerns. According to sources, agencies in Bhutan have already initiated a parallel investigation. The issue was reportedly also discussed during home secretary-level talks between India and Bhutan held in Oct last year. Meanwhile, the special court for considering economic offences cases in Kochi has issued non-bailable warrants against four key suspects based in Assam. Customs officers have also seized five more Bhutanese-registered vehicles from Kozhikode. Operation Numkhor is CCP's statewide operation that targeted a racket suspected of dealing in cars allegedly smuggled from Bhutan. The cars were allegedly registered using forged documents in other states and resold in Kerala. Several cars, including those sold to celebrities, were seized as part of the operation.