Question : SMUGGLING OF DIAMONDS

(a) whether diamonds are being smuggled into the country;

(b) if so, the details of the seizure during the last three years;

(c) whether it has come to notice of the Government that this smuggling is taking place due to the nexus between the corrupt officials of DGFT and the smugglers;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the action taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE (REVENUE) IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE(SHRI GINGEE N. RAMACHANDRAN)

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The details of the seizures of diamonds made during the last three years are as follows:

YEAR	NO. OF CASES BOOKED	VALUE OF DIAMONDS SEIZED (RS. IN CRORES)
2000-2001	4	3.20
2001-2002	8	3.74
2002-2003	4	2.29