Mumbai Airport Crackdown: 10.5 kg of Gold Worth Over INR 6 Crores Seized in 3 Days

Mumbai Airport Crackdown: 10.5 kg of Gold Worth Over INR 6 Crores Seized in 3 Days

Mumbai Airport Crackdown: 10.5 kg of Gold Worth Over INR 6 Crores Seized in 3 Days

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Mumbai: In a significant development at Mumbai International Airport, over 10 kilograms of smuggled gold have been seized in the past three days, highlighting ongoing security concerns despite stringent measures in place. The Customs Department, in a special operation, confiscated 10.5 kilograms of gold worth over INR 6 crores. Several individuals have been arrested in connection with the smuggling attempts.

According to Mumbai Customs, from June 11 to June 13, 2024, Customs officials intercepted 15 cases of gold smuggling. One of the methods involved mixing gold dust with wax. The gold was also smuggled in the form of jewelry and gold bars, with some bars hidden in the wheels of trolley suitcases and even inside buses transporting passengers to the airport. Despite these inventive concealment methods, vigilant Customs officers managed to thwart the smuggling attempts.

Five Indian nationals have been arrested. Four of them arrived from Jeddah, and one from Dubai. These individuals attempted to smuggle 24-carat gold dust concealed in wax. Upon thorough investigation, Customs officials uncovered the hidden gold.

The increasing frequency and sophistication of gold smuggling have raised concerns among security personnel. Even with robust security protocols overseen by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), smugglers continue to devise new ways to bypass detection.

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Changing Trends in Gold Smuggling

The methods and quantities involved in gold smuggling have evolved. Previously, seizures often involved larger quantities, ranging from two to five kilograms. Now, smugglers typically carry around 600 grams of gold. According to Customs regulations, arrests are made if the value of the seized goods exceeds INR 20 lakhs; otherwise, suspects may be released after giving a statement.

This recent crackdown at Mumbai International Airport underscores the ongoing battle against gold smuggling, with significant seizures also reported at other airports across the country in recent times.

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