NEDUMBASSERY: Air Customs intelligence wing at the Kochi international airport seized two cartons containing 276 plastic containers of capsules and steroids from Abdul Majeed,41, who arrived at the airport from Sharjah on Sunday. In all, 120 capsules were there in each plastic container. The capsules are used for reducing body weight in humans. There were 30 steroid packets. All containers had a label that they should not be used in animals. But the Customs officials doubt that in order to increase the weight of the animals consumed by humans, steroids are usually used and the seized steroids were also intended for the same purpose, a Customs official said. Customs sources said the meat of the animals which are administered with steroids are hazardous to human beings. On questioning, Abdul Majeed revealed that he was instructed to contact a mobile number and hand over the consignment after reaching the Kochi airport. “The passenger was only a carrier,” said C Madhavan, Customs Deputy Commissioner. The efforts of the Customs officials to trace the owner of the mobile phone turned futile. Customs sources said the contact person would have been waiting outside and he might have escaped after his accomplice was caught by the Customs. According to the Customs wing, the seized items are worth `4.96 lakh. Veterinary surgeon Dr Nataraja Pillai said the steroid is being used in animals to treat various diseases. Using the meat of the animals within five days of injecting the steroids and antibiotics would affect the health of those who consume the meat, Dr Pillai added.
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