An accused, wanted in connection with hawala and smuggling cases for the last 10 years, was taken into custody for interrogation in the city airport early today.

While checking the passport of Ramaraj alias Saravanan, who arrived from Sharjah by Air Arabia flight at 4.30 a.m., the immigration officials grew suspicious and found that his passport was blocked, following cases for his alleged involvement in hawala and smuggling activities in 2005.

From Perambalur, Saravanan was involved in foreign exchange violations, hawala and smuggling activities and there were cases against him in Chennai Crime branch since 2005. He was absconding from then and was found to have been staying in Sharjah all these years.

The 40-year old, who has come to the city for treatment in a private hospital, has been detained for questioning, police said.

Perambalur police have been informed about the matter and senior officials from there are expected to reach the city.