The containers, intercepted by officials of special intelligence and investigation branch of Tuticorin Customs following a tip-off, were packed with waste ranging from used hand gloves to condoms and plastic materials, totalling 195 tonnes, customs officials told reporters here today.

The containers had come by sea from Malaysia, Spain and Saudi Arabia over a period of last one month, they said adding that the consignees were all companies based in Tamil Nadu.

The State Pollution Control Board had opined that no clearance should be allowed for the containers and they be sent back to the consingors. Action in this regard was underway, the officials said.

A container which arrived from Malaysia was declared as rejected latex stock lot, but on examination it was found to be used surgical gloves, condoms etc, they said.

In the second case, four containers that arrived from Barcelona, Spain, but no documents were filed for clearance.

These were found to contain plastic wastes which emited foul smell. In this case, the importer themselves agreed to re-export the goods back to Spain.

Another four containers that arrived from Saudi Arabia were declared as mixed plastic scrap, but turned out to be hazardours waste materials.