In three days Mumbai airport customs seizes 9.83 kg gold valued at Rs 5.18 crore

In three days Mumbai airport customs seizes 9.83 kg gold valued at Rs 5.18 crore

In a significant crackdown on smuggling operations, Mumbai Airport Customs revealed the details of 17 separate cases resulting in the seizure of gold, foreign currency, and an iPhone between February 16 and 18, 2024. The seized items were collectively valued at Rs 5.18 Crore.

The first case, disclosed by Sarika Shah, Additional Commissioner of Customs Zone - III, involved an Indian national arriving from Kuala Lumpur on Malaysia Airlines Flight MH 194. Upon interception, authorities discovered 925.00 grams of 24 KT Gold Dust concealed within plastic plates in the passenger's check-in luggage.

Subsequent cases, disclosed by senior customs officers, unveiled a variety of smuggling methods employed by individuals traveling through Mumbai Airport. These methods included concealing gold in body cavities, clothing, socks, and even within everyday items like coffee and tang powder.

Also read: Mumbai: 80-year-old collapses, dies as he walks to terminal due to lack of wheelchair at airport

One case involved a foreign national arriving from Muscat on Oman Air Flight WY 203, who was found with 1569.00 grams of 22 KT Gold jewelry and 24 KT Gold Dust hidden on their person, along with an iPhone concealed in their trousers.

In another instance, an Indian national arriving from Jeddah on Indigo Flight 6E 62 was intercepted based on specific intelligence, leading to the discovery of 1470.00 grams of 24 KT Gold Dust concealed in the passenger's rectum and clothing.

Furthermore, authorities intercepted an individual traveling from Dubai to Mumbai on Spicejet Flight SG 14 with 400.00 grams of 24 KT Gold Dust concealed within tang and coffee powder in their checked luggage.

The crackdown also extended to foreign currency smuggling, with an Indian national attempting to travel from Mumbai to Riyadh on Flynas Flight XY 322 intercepted by CISF during departure. Subsequent investigation by Mumbai Airport Customs revealed 35100 USD concealed in the passenger's cabin bag.

Another case involved an Indian National, travelling from Bahrain to Mumbai vide Indigo Flight 6E 1202 was intercepted and 24 KT Crude Gold kada(1), Ring rhodium plated(1), Rudraksha maala collectively weighing 227.160 grams (net) was found concealed on the body of the passenger.