Chennai: Not for the first time, Indian security agencies seized a Pakistan-bound consignment from China at Kattupalli Port in Tamil Nadu, PTI reported.
Officials revealed that the consignment consisted of internationally-banned chemicals used for tear gas and riot control agents.
The consignment of chemicals, weighing 2560 kg, was stored in 103 drums of 25 kg each and loaded into a carrier vessel Hyundai Shanghai – which was sailing under Cyprus flag — on April 18, 2024 at Shanghai Port.
The ship, travelling to Karachi, reached Kattupalli Port on May 8.
While carrying out routine check, Customs authorities found that the chemical being transported figured under India’s export control SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organism, Materials, Equipment and Technologies) list, and hence stopped the consignment.
Authorities then sought assistance from experts. After thorough investigation, it was found that the chemical was Ortho-Chloro Benzylidene Malononitrile (CS), a listed substance under the Wassenaar Arrangement.
India is a signatory to the Wassenaar Arrangement, but not China and Pakistan.
The chemical subsequently seized the consignment under the provisions of Customs Act, 1962, and the Weapons of Mass Destruction and Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Act, 2005.
India believes Pakistan is working on an offensive chemical and biological warfare programme with the help of its ally China.
Four months ago, Indian authorities seized the consignment of a Karachi-bound ship from China after it was found to be transporting a dual-use consignment linked to Pakistan’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
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