Rs 4.93-crore synthetic diamonds, concealed in passenger's laptop, recovered at Mumbai Airport

During the screening process, a CISF officer suspected something amiss in the passenger's laptop. Upon closer inspection, they discovered the diamonds hidden inside the laptop’s battery compartment

In a major security interception, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on Tuesday foiled an attempt to smuggle synthetic diamonds worth Rs 4.93 crore at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport in Mumbai.

According to officials, the incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, when Bharatbhai Govindbhai Nathani, an Indian passenger, arrived at Terminal 2 for his journey to Bangkok via NOK Airlines Flight DD 939. After completing check-in formalities, he proceeded to the security screening area with his hand baggage.

During the screening process, CISF officer Subodh Kumar noticed something amiss in Nathani’s laptop bag. A closer inspection revealed a suspected object hidden inside the laptop’s battery compartment, prompting authorities to check the bag further.

Following subsequent physical checks, CISF discovered 26 transparent packets containing synthetic diamonds, weighing approximately 2,147.20 carats, with an estimated market value of Rs 4.93 crore.

Following the seizure, the passenger was handed over to the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) and Customs officers at Mumbai Airport for further investigation. Authorities are probing whether the smuggling attempt was part of a larger international racket.

Other seizures over the week at Mumbai airport

In a series of successful interceptions at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) between Tuesday and Wednesday, Customs officials seized a total of 5.92 kg of gold and 2,147.20 carats of diamonds, valued at Rs. 9.12 crores. The operation, which involved thorough frisking and scanning procedures, uncovered creative methods of smuggling, with precious metals and gems concealed in personal belongings and even within clothing.

Meanwhile on Wednesday, Customs officials intercepted three passengers arriving from Dubai on Emirates flight EK-500. The passengers were found to be carrying 24 KT crude gold rhodium-plated rings and buttons, weighing 775 grams and valued at Rs. 61.45 lakh. The gold items were concealed in belt buckles and trolley bags, and the passengers were taken into custody.

On the same day, Customs officers, acting on specific intelligence, intercepted 14 Kenyan nationals who had arrived from Nairobi. These individuals were found carrying 22 KT melted gold bars and jewellery weighing 2,741 grams, valued at Rs 1.85 crore. The bars were concealed in the undergarments and pockets of the passengers’ clothing. In a related discovery, Customs officials also found an unclaimed stash of 22 KT melted gold bars weighing 2,406 grams, valued at Rs. 1.74 crore, abandoned on the floor of the international arrival hall.

The Customs Department has stated that all seized goods will be handed over to the relevant authorities, and legal proceedings are underway. One passenger has already been arrested, and investigations continue into the smuggling networks operating through Mumbai's international airport.

The Customs Department has urged the public to report any suspicious activity and to assist in combating illegal trade at the airport.

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