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Cross-Border Car Smuggling In Focus As Bhutan Customs Team Arrives In Kerala
A Bhutan Customs delegation arrived in Kerala to participate in joint discussions with Indian authorities as part of Operation Numkhor, aiming to curb suspected cross-border vehicle smuggling from Bhutan. The probe has led to earlier seizures in Kerala and reached the Kerala High Court, with cross-agency coordination and potential money-laundering implications. Authorities estimate nearly 15,000 vehicles may have been smuggled from Bhutan into India over the years.
Why It Matters
The case underscores cross-border smuggling risks, potential tax evasion and money laundering, and tests multi-agency cooperation between India and Bhutan in enforcing customs laws.
Timeline
3 Events
Ongoing Indo-Bhutan customs meeting focuses on intelligence exchange and vehicle origin records
April 20, 2026
The ongoing Indo-Bhutan customs meeting is expected to focus on intelligence exchange, verification of vehicle origin records and coordination for future enforcement steps.
Bhutan Customs delegation arrives in Kerala for joint discussions in Munnar (Operation Numkhor)
April 20, 2026
A ten-member team led by Bhutan's Customs Commissioner arrived in the hilly region of Munnar and began joint discussions with Indian Customs officials as part of Operation Numkhor. The discussions are aimed at sharing intelligence gathered so far and planning the next phase of action against tax evasion linked to cross-border vehicle smuggling.
Kerala High Court hearing on Operation Numkhor and ED steps
September 2025
A division bench of the Kerala High Court (Justice K Narendran and Justice Murali Krishna) questioned the Enforcement Directorate about steps in the Numkhor case, noting high-value vehicles purchased by influential individuals. The ED said it would examine the issue since it prima facie involved money laundering. Customs officials had indicated that Numkhor details would be shared with the ED, while the Central GST wing was expected to examine possible tax evasion aspects.