Operation Numkhor: Customs Investigates Toyota Land Cruiser in Bhutan-Kerala Car Smuggling Network

Cars owned by film star Dulquer Salmaan have also come under scrutiny

The Customs Preventive unit, investigating suspected smuggling of used cars from Bhutan, is conducting a thorough examination of a 1992-model Toyota Land Cruiser SUV registered in Arunachal Pradesh.

Officials report that the SUV was registered in 2012 under the name Mahin with an address in Assam.

However, investigations determined that the vehicle actually belongs to Mahin Ansari from Muvattupuzha, according to a Customs official.

Customs officials noted that unlike other confiscated vehicles, this particular SUV was initially registered directly to Mahin without any previous ownership history.

"This SUV, first registered in 2012, remains in Mahin's name. This suggests the 1992 model was imported from overseas. Our investigation indicates it originated from Bhutan. We need to verify whether it was legally imported with proper duty and tax payments," sources explained.

The white SUV, which was undergoing a color change to black at a workshop in Kundannoor, Kochi, has been confiscated.

"The vehicle arrived at the workshop approximately two weeks ago," an official stated.

Customs has determined to question Mahin and will require him to present all vehicle documentation, including import papers.

Investigators will also interrogate him regarding the registration of the SUV in Arunachal Pradesh using an unverified Assam address.

"Initial investigation revealed the Assam address was not legitimate. A comprehensive investigation is ongoing," sources confirmed.

Operation Numkhor, initiated by Customs, has resulted in the seizure of 38 vehicles—primarily SUVs—suspected of being illegally imported from Bhutan. The operation has expanded to examine vehicles owned by film personalities including Dulquer Salmaan, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Amith Chakalakkal.

Customs Preventive Commissioner T Tiju recently disclosed that over 200 Bhutan-registered vehicles are believed to be operating in Kerala.