Mumbai Customs Thwarts Brazen Smuggling Attempts, Seizes Foreign Currency, Diamonds, and Gold
By Mewati Sitaram
In a major crackdown on smuggling activities, officers from the Mumbai Customs Zone III have dealt a severe blow to criminal networks attempting to smuggle valuable goods into the country. Over the course of just three days, from March 20th to 22nd, 2024, eight separate cases were uncovered at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, resulting in the seizure of an astonishing Rs 10.6 crore worth of foreign currencies, diamonds, and gold.
The first two cases involved passengers bound for Bangkok who had ingeniously concealed substantial amounts of foreign currency and diamonds within the lining of their backpacks. Officers, acting on precise intelligence, meticulously examined the luggage and uncovered a staggering Rs 5.36 crore in foreign currencies and Rs 3.75 crore worth of diamonds. The suspects were promptly apprehended and are currently under investigation.
Vigilant customs officials also intercepted four separate instances of gold smuggling from Dubai, Jeddah, Muscat, and Kuwait. In these cases, Indian nationals arriving from these destinations had resorted to unconventional methods of concealment, including hiding gold pieces within their clothing, belongings, and even inside their bodies. In total, over 2.5 kilograms of gold jewellery, valued at several crores, were seized from these passengers.
Another case involved an Indian national arriving from Dubai who had attempted to smuggle 231 grams of 24-karat gold jewellery into the country by concealing it on their person. However, the sharp eyes of the customs officers foiled this brazen attempt, leading to the confiscation of the contraband and the apprehension of the perpetrator.
These successful interdictions showcase the unwavering commitment and professionalism of the Mumbai Customs Zone III in combating smuggling activities. Through meticulous intelligence gathering, rigorous screening procedures, and swift enforcement actions, the customs officials have demonstrated their dedication to safeguarding the nation’s borders and upholding the integrity of customs regulations.
As investigations into these cases continue, the authorities remain resolute in their mission to disrupt and dismantle smuggling networks operating within the region. The message is clear: any attempts to circumvent customs laws and regulations will be met with decisive action and severe consequences.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
