Customs procedures at Ahmedabad’s international airport are being strengthened with the introduction of body-worn cameras for officers stationed at the red channel, officials said, in a move aimed at improving transparency and accountability.
The decision comes after a recent incident in which a customs inspector allegedly allowed a passenger carrying foreign cigarettes to pass without proper checks. The issue later escalated into a dispute, leading senior officials to review CCTV footage that reportedly showed the consignment being knowingly overlooked. The officer was subsequently transferred and an inquiry was initiated.
International travellers often raise complaints, including allegations of missing items from baggage, while some passengers carrying dutiable goods attempt to bribe officials to avoid penalties. Items such as cameras, mobile phones, foreign liquor, electronic gadgets and gold jewellery are commonly involved in such cases.
With body-worn cameras supplementing existing CCTV coverage, interactions between officers and passengers will now be recorded, significantly limiting the scope for disputes, misconduct or corruption.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has instructed that all customs officers deployed at red channels in international airports must wear body cameras. Recordings will be preserved for three months, and officers are required to inform passengers that their interactions are being recorded.
Airport officials said the measure is intended to reduce friction, enhance transparency and ensure faster, fairer customs clearance. The body-camera initiative is expected to be rolled out at international airports across the country in the coming months.