In a major success for India’s customs enforcement, Air Customs at the Trivandrum, Calicut, and Cochin airports successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle 2,091.84 grams (2.1 kilograms) of gold worth Rs 1.8 crore. The gold, in the form of both paste and bars, was cleverly concealed inside the bodies and clothing of three passengers.
The authorities at the airports acted on intelligence inputs and stepped up their vigilance at arrival terminals. Upon detailed scrutiny, they discovered the gold hidden in the most unusual and deceptive ways – inside the passengers’ body cavities and concealed within their dress.
Seizures at Multiple Locations
At the Trivandrum International Airport, officials intercepted two passengers arriving from the Middle East. The first passenger had concealed gold bars in his rectum, while the second attempted to smuggle gold paste hidden in the folds of his clothing.
Similarly, at the Calicut International Airport, Air Customs apprehended another passenger with gold concealed in their body, leading to the immediate seizure of over 700 grams of gold. Further checks at the Cochin International Airport revealed a total of 1,000 grams of gold hidden in paste form, found during routine body searches.
Gold Smuggling: A Growing Concern
Gold smuggling has been a longstanding issue for the authorities, especially in airports across Kerala, which remains a prime location for such illicit trade due to its proximity to the Gulf countries. With an increasing number of such cases, Air Customs have heightened their surveillance and screening procedures.
The smugglers typically attempt to conceal the precious metal to bypass India’s customs duties and taxes on gold imports. However, the actions of the customs authorities have resulted in significant seizures, sending a strong message to potential offenders.
Investigation and Legal Action
All three passengers, who are suspected to be part of a larger smuggling syndicate, have been arrested and booked under the relevant sections of the Customs Act. Further investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the network involved in this attempt.
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