Competitors in this racket are several government ministers and businessmen, and eight new companies have applied for permits.

Importation of arecanut from Indonesia for re-export to India, Nepal, Bangladesh, The Maldives and Dubai began in 2010, with 4S and Wayamba Traders getting the permits for that year.

After it came to be known that profits are huge, 15 more companies had made attempts by last week to obtain permits.

With the election of the new government, this racket which loses revenue to the state was halted, but has resumed once again now.

The Agriculture Ministry issues the permits, which it has not done so far, but the racket is underway secretly.

SC order disregarded

Meanwhile, importers went to the Supreme Court against the seizure by Customs of 48 container-loads of arecanut imported during the previous regime and on September 30, a three member panel ordered their release.

Despite this order, a top government figure has instructed Customs to detain them further, against which the importers are to file yet another petition in the SC.