Gold and Diamonds Valued at Rs 2.55 Crore Seized at Mumbai Airport
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Synopsis
Customs officials at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport conducted a major operation, seizing gold and diamonds worth Rs 2.55 crore across separate incidents on January 17-18. Three individuals have been arrested as investigations continue.
Key Takeaways
- Customs seized gold and diamonds worth Rs 2.55 crore.
- Two passengers from Bangkok were apprehended with crude gold.
- A passenger heading to Dubai had concealed diamonds.
- Three individuals arrested in connection with the cases.
- Ongoing investigations may reveal larger smuggling networks.
Mumbai, Jan 18 (NationPress) Customs authorities at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai executed a significant operation, resulting in the seizure of gold and diamonds valued at Rs 2.55 crore during the night between January 17 and 18.
In the first case, acting on precise intelligence, customs officials apprehended two travelers arriving from Bangkok. A thorough examination led to the discovery of 24-carat crude gold dust hidden within the body cavities of the individuals.
The total net weight of the confiscated gold was 2.465 kg, estimated at Rs 1.80 crore. Both suspects were detained in accordance with the Customs Act, 1962.
In another instance, customs officials, following additional intelligence, intercepted a passenger on the verge of boarding a flight to Dubai. Upon detailed inspection, they uncovered a collection of cut and polished diamonds concealed within the passenger's body cavities.
This haul comprised lab-grown loose diamonds weighing 21.70 carats valued at Rs 5.20 lakh, along with natural loose diamonds totaling 226.95 carats worth Rs 69.69 lakh. The overall value of the seized diamonds reached Rs 74.90 lakh.
The combined worth of the gold and diamonds seized in these operations amounts to Rs 2.55 crore. To date, three individuals have been arrested in relation to these cases.
Ongoing investigations aim to identify any broader networks or accomplices involved in these incidents.
In December, officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) dismantled a gold smuggling operation at Mumbai airport, arresting six individuals and confiscating 12.5 kg of foreign-origin smuggled gold valued at nearly Rs 10 crore.
Earlier in November, the Airport Customs successfully carried out a major operation leading to the seizure of wax-form gold dust weighing 1.8 kg, valued at Rs 1.36 crore. An airport staff member and a transit passenger were apprehended.
