Mumbai: The Customs department has made a significant seizure at Mumbai's international airport, confiscating 12.47 kg of gold and electronic items valued at Rs 8.37 crore over a four-day operation. Ten individuals have been apprehended in connection with this operation, an official announced on Monday.
The operation, conducted from April 29 to May 2 at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, uncovered various methods of concealing gold. Passengers attempted to hide gold in forms such as dust mixed with wax, layers within clothing, crude jewelry, and even within their bodies.
Five passengers were detained in relation to this discovery, as stated in an official release. Among those arrested was an Indian national, employed as contractual staff at the airport, who was intercepted by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and subsequently handed over to Customs officials. Upon examination, 2.58 kg of gold dust in wax form was found hidden in his water bottle, leading to his arrest.
In a separate incident, four Indian nationals traveling from Dubai were intercepted, revealing 3.335 kg of gold concealed in their undergarments, clothing, and bodies. The four individuals were also arrested.
Additionally, six gold bars weighing 1.5 kg were discovered hidden beneath the seat of an aircraft, the release detailed.
Customs officials further intercepted 15 Indian nationals, including ten from Dubai, two from Muscat, and one each from Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Jeddah. These individuals were found carrying 5.32 kg of gold concealed in various ways, including within their undergarments, jean pockets, airport baggage trolleys, and their bodies.
Another Indian national traveling from Dubai was intercepted for smuggling high-value goods. Nine iPhones and other electronic items worth Rs 14.21 lakh were seized from the passenger's handbags and checked-in luggage.
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