- Market value of gold is worth Rs. 4.5 crore, 8 smugglers arrested
Despite ongoing pandemic, gold smugglers aren’t scared and trying to continue smuggling activities considering that there won’t be any check. But Chennai customs is leaving no stone unturned to curb the gold smuggling activities. The Chennai custom’s intelligence wing and informers are keeping all latest activities and modus operandi on the check.
The Chennai Air Customs based on specific information that gold is likely to be smuggled by a group of passengers arriving from Dubai. The Chennai Air Custom Commissioner was personally observing all the movement at the airport along with other officials. They maintained strict vigil to nab the culprits.
When Emirates flight EK 544 arrived from Dubai, on suspicion eight passengers were intercepted at the exit gate by custom officials. All eight of them were in a hurry to pass through the exit, but couldn’t do so due to customs hawk eyes. When customs officials questioned them, they became nervous and gave evasive reply. Soon after, their personal search as well as search of their baggage was carried out.
When custom officials were doing their personal search on suspects, they were surprised to find gold paste in plastic pouches. The gold paste was concealed in their Jeans and underwear. On physical search, 9 kg of gold of 24 karat purity were found. The value of recovered smuggled gold was Rs 4.5 crore. The extraction of gold paste seized under Customs Act. All eight gold smugglers are arrested and further investigation is on.
It may be noted that Chennai airport has made the highest record by detecting gold and other smuggled goods on daily basis.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
