Gold Worth Rs 2.77 Crore Confiscated at Ahmedabad Airport
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Synopsis
The Air Intelligence Unit at Ahmedabad International Airport has seized gold worth Rs 2.77 crore from two passengers arriving from Abu Dhabi, revealing a significant smuggling operation. This incident adds to Gujarat's ongoing fight against gold smuggling, with authorities investigating the suspects' connections to a larger syndicate.
Key Takeaways
- Gold smuggling attempt foiled at Ahmedabad Airport.
- Gold valued at Rs 2.77 crore seized by AIU.
- Suspects concealed gold in jeans and chemicals.
- Investigation ongoing for potential syndicate links.
- Gujarat faces rising incidents of gold smuggling.
Ahmedabad, March 25 (NationPress) The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) at Ahmedabad International Airport has exposed a significant gold smuggling operation, confiscating gold valued at Rs 2.77 crore.
Two travelers arriving from Abu Dhabi were apprehended for hiding gold within their jeans.
During a standard inspection, AIU officials noticed suspicious behavior and performed an extensive check, resulting in the unearthing of around 3,050 grams of gold. The perpetrators had even mixed the gold with chemicals in a semi-liquid form to avoid detection.
Both individuals have been detained, and a case has been filed under smuggling charges. In addition to the gold bars, officials recovered two gold chains and coins from the suspects.
Authorities are currently investigating the origins and intended recipients of the smuggled gold. Further investigations will ascertain whether the suspects are linked to a larger gold smuggling syndicate. Gujarat has seen several high-profile gold smuggling incidents in recent years, underscoring the state's ongoing struggle against these illegal activities.
In July 2023, officials from the Ahmedabad Crime Branch arrested a couple, Jignesh alias Jigar Bhikhabhai Rathod and his wife Shila, along with jeweler Ketan Harshadbhai Soni, for their roles in smuggling gold from Dubai.
This operation led to the confiscation of about 546 grams of gold bars, cash amounting to Rs 45 lakh, and other valuables, totaling nearly Rs 80 lakh.
Investigations revealed that the couple had traveled to Dubai multiple times since 2021, smuggling gold by hiding it in their clothing and undergarments. Upon returning to India, they would deliver the contraband to local jewelers for processing and sale.
In another incident from October 2019, customs officials arrested Rutugna Trivedi, the mastermind behind a vast gold smuggling operation that illegally imported approximately four tonnes of gold valued at Rs 1,300 crore into India over five years.
Trivedi, a former sales executive with international experience, leveraged his understanding of airport operations and customs regulations to orchestrate the smuggling.
He collaborated with airport ground staff, including Jignesh Savaliya, who had unrestricted access to cargo and passenger areas, facilitating the smuggling of gold via flights from Dubai. The operation came to light when officials apprehended a carrier with 24.5 kg of gold at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.
