In a startling turn of events, the Mumbai Customs department seized a significant haul of diamonds and gold worth crores at the city’s airport over the weekend. According to officials, the total value of the seized items amounted to a whopping ₹6.46 crore.
The seizure included more than 6.8 kg of gold valued at ₹4.44 crore and diamonds worth ₹2.02 crore, concealed ingeniously by passengers attempting to smuggle them through the airport. Among the methods used to hide these valuable items were packets of noodles and even body parts.
The Customs department disclosed that four passengers were apprehended in connection with the seizure. An Indian national traveling from Mumbai to Bangkok was found smuggling diamonds cleverly concealed within packets of noodles in his trolley bag. This passenger was promptly arrested.
Another arrest was made when a foreign national arriving from Colombo to Mumbai was intercepted with gold bars and a cut piece, weighing a total of 321 grams, hidden inside her undergarments.
Additionally, the release mentioned 10 Indian nationals intercepted from various international flights, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha, Riyadh, Muscat, Bangkok, and Singapore. They were found carrying a substantial amount of gold, totaling 6.199 kg and valued at ₹4.04 crore. The gold was concealed in various ways, including the rectum, on the body, and inside baggage. Three individuals from this group were arrested following the interception.
The seizure highlights the ongoing efforts of customs authorities to curb smuggling activities through the airport. It also underscores the innovative and risky methods employed by smugglers to transport valuable items illegally across borders.
Sources By Agencies