Customs Seizes 899.5 gm Smuggled Gold Worth ₹1.37 Crore at
Bengaluru Airport; Passenger Arrested
Preliminary investigation revealed
that the accused had hidden gold paste inside four capsules in an attempt to evade
detection.
1.
Customs officials at Kempegowda
International Airport seized 899.50 grams of 24-carat gold from a
passenger arriving from Dubai.
2.
The seized gold is valued at approximately ₹1.37
crore.
3.
The passenger was intercepted after customs
officers observed suspicious behaviour during
routine checks.
4.
Investigation revealed that the accused had concealed
gold paste inside four capsules to evade detection.
5.
A detailed examination by customs officials
uncovered the smuggling attempt.
6.
The passenger has been arrested under the
Customs Act.
7.
Authorities are interrogating the accused to
determine whether he is linked to a larger gold-smuggling network.
8.
The seizure is part of intensified enforcement
efforts at Bengaluru airport against gold, narcotics, and other
prohibited-item smuggling.
9.
Further investigations are underway to identify the
source of the gold and its intended destination.
Significance
·
Highlights the continued use of concealment
techniques such as gold paste capsules by smugglers.
·
Reflects increased vigilance by customs authorities
at major international airports.
·
Underscores the persistent challenge of gold
smuggling from Gulf countries into India due to price differentials and
import duties.
Customs
officials at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport
have seized nearly 900 grams of smuggled gold worth Rs 1.37 crore from a passenger
who arrived from Dubai and arrested him under the Customs Act.
According
to officials, the accused had attempted to smuggle 899.50 grams of 24-carat gold
into the country in a concealed form. The passenger was intercepted after customs
officers noticed suspicious behaviour during routine checks.
Preliminary
investigation revealed that the accused had hidden gold paste inside four capsules
in an attempt to evade detection. However, a detailed examination by customs officials
exposed the smuggling attempt.
The
seized gold has been valued at approximately Rs 1.37 crore.
Authorities
have taken the accused into custody and further interrogation is underway to determine
whether he was part of a larger smuggling network.
The
seizure comes amid intensified efforts by customs authorities at Bengaluru airport,
who have recently detected several cases involving the smuggling of gold, narcotics
and other prohibited items.
Officials
said investigations are continuing to trace the source and intended destination
of the contraband.