At least 17 gold bars weighing 3,464 grams worth R1.63-crore seized
The woman arrived at the Mumbai airport on Sunday. File pic
Key Highlights
- The Air Intelligence Unit has arrested a woman for smuggling gold concealed in her clothes
- The value of the 3,464 grams of gold seized is estimated at Rs 1.63 crore
- The incident came to light in the wee hours of October 1
The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) has apprehended a woman for smuggling gold concealed in her clothes. The incident came to light in the wee hours of October 1, when the AIU flagged Sahra Mohamed Omar, 40, due to her suspicious behaviour. She was checked thoroughly after which the police found 17 gold bars concealed in her brassiere. The value of the 3,464 grams of gold seized is estimated at Rs 1.63 crore.
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Omar holds a United Kingdom passport and originally hails from Nairobi. She had arrived at Mumbai International Airport from Kenya, after boarding a flight on September 30. “Omar’s statement was recorded on October 1, wherein she admitted to the possession, carriage, recovery, ownership and smuggling of the seized goods.
From the voluntary statement and facts of the case it appears that she was involved in smuggling to bring the gold into India by hoodwinking the Customs authorities,” the AIU said in its statement to the court while seeking 14 days custody of Omar.
The Esplanade Court granted 14 days judicial custody and Omar has been booked by the AIU under relevant sections of the Customs Act, 1962.