Watch: Customs Seize Diamonds Hidden in Noodle Packets, Gold Concealed in Passengers’ Body Parts
Watch: Customs Seize Diamonds Hidden in Noodle Packets, Gold Concealed in Passengers' Body Parts
In a significant bust, the Mumbai Customs Department has seized diamonds concealed in packets of noodles and gold hidden in the body parts of passengers and baggage, amounting to a collective value of Rs 6.46 crore, at the Mumbai airport.
According to an official statement issued late Monday night, four passengers were arrested in connection with the seizure, which included more than 6.815 kg of gold valued at Rs 4.44 crore and diamonds worth Rs 2.02 crore.
#WATCH | Maharashtra: During 19-21 April, 2024, Mumbai Customs seized over 6.815 Kg of gold valued at Rs 4.44 crores and diamonds valued at Rs 2.02 crores, total amounting to Rs 6.46 crores across 13 cases. Diamonds were found concealed in noodle packets. Four Passengers were… pic.twitter.com/02LzDS1aDZ
— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2024
The Customs officials intercepted an Indian national who was travelling from Mumbai to Bangkok and discovered diamonds hidden in packets of noodles concealed inside his trolley bag. The passenger was subsequently arrested.
Furthermore, a foreign national travelling from Colombo to Mumbai was intercepted and found carrying gold bars and a cut piece, with a net weight of 321 grams, concealed inside her undergarments.
In addition to these arrests, 10 Indian nationals were also intercepted, with two each travelling from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and one each from Bahrain, Doha, Riyadh, Muscat, Bangkok, and Singapore. They were found carrying 6.199 kg of gold, valued at Rs 4.04 crore, “concealed in the rectum, in the body and inside the baggage,” as stated.
Three of these individuals were subsequently arrested, although further details were not provided in the release.
The seizure highlights the ongoing efforts of the Mumbai Customs Department to crack down on smuggling activities and illicit trade, particularly involving high-value items such as diamonds and gold. Such operations play a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of the country’s borders and preventing the illegal movement of goods across international boundaries.
