High alertness of Chennai Air Customs has resulted in seizing gold worth Rs. 89.17 lakhs weighing 1.80 kg. Based on specific intelligence, that gold was likely to be smuggled by a passenger arriving from Dubai by Emirates flight EK-544 special watch was kept to nab him. It was observed when a passenger who appeared to be in a hurry was intercepted at green channel exit by an alert Air Intelligence Unit officer. When he was questioned, he appeared to be nervous and gave evasive replies. After going through his passport details, he was identified as Mohammed Ashraf,aged 21, resident of Chennai.
On his personal search two crepe bandages were found tied to shins of both his legs. On taking them off, gauze bandage was found wrapped and stuck by duck tape. On removing the gauze, two paper packets were recovered each one his leg. Both packets were unusually heavy, they weighed 2.07 kg and were found to contain gold paste. On extraction 1.80 kg gold of 24 karat purity valued at Rs. 89.17 lakhs. It was recovered and seized under Indian Customs Act.
While further questioning, the passenger informed that he was to hand over gold packets to an unknown person outside the airport. To nab the receiver, he was taken outside the airport, after sometime a person who approached he to receive gold was nabbed. The receiver has been identified as one Mohamed Ibrahim aged 39, years who was also a resident of Chennai. He has admitted his involvement. Both the carrier and the receiver have been arrested. Further investigation is under progress.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
