In a series of recent operations, airport customs officials have intensified efforts to combat gold smuggling, resulting in significant interceptions and seizures. Over the past few days alone, authorities have seized gold valued at over Rs 5 crore from both Indian and foreign passengers suspected of smuggling activities. This surge in interceptions contributes to a larger figure for the month, with airport authorities intercepting smuggled gold totaling over Rs 12 crore.
Elaborate Concealment Techniques Uncovered
During targeted operations conducted between February 09 and February 11, customs officials uncovered more than 1.76 kilograms of gold, worth approximately Rs 97 lakh, in five separate incidents. The concealment methods employed were diverse and elaborate, with gold discovered hidden within the inner linings of checked luggage, clothing items, and even sandals worn by the passengers. Free Press Journal reported that similarly, between February 07 and February 09, a series of ten separate occurrences led to the confiscation of over 7.88 kilograms of gold, valued at Rs 4.29 crore, along with the interception of 16 iPhones. Customs officials disclosed that the gold was concealed in various locations, including the toilet of the Airport Lounge, implicating a housekeeping staff member, as well as within a juice powder box, sandals, and even concealed within body cavities.
Innovative Smuggling Techniques Uncovered
Further investigations unveiled the use of innovative techniques in gold smuggling attempts. On February 6-7, the Airport Commissionerate of Mumbai Customs Zone-III seized more than 6.33 kilograms of gold, estimated at Rs 3.49 crore, from Indian nationals across five different cases. The concealment methods employed were intricate, with gold hidden on bodies, within clothing, a mobile charger, purse, hairdryer, and the corner piping of checked bags. Additionally, in four distinct incidents between February 05 and 06, customs officials seized over 4.13 kilograms of gold, valued at Rs 2.28 crore, from Indian nationals. Similarly, in five different cases between February 03 and 04, over 2.48 kilograms of gold, worth Rs 1.37 crore, were intercepted from Indian passengers. The gold was cunningly concealed within clothing and check-in bags, particularly within corner piping and pancake powder containers.
Narcotics Disposal Operation Initiated
In a separate development within the realm of customs affairs, authorities have initiated the disposal process of approximately 14,000 kilograms of narcotics. This includes 13,860 kilograms of liquorice roots soaked in heroin and 86.5 kilograms of hydroponic weed/ganja, stemming from seizures made in separate cases by the Mumbai Zonal Unit of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence officials. Officials elaborated on the disposal procedure, stating that the seized drugs are incinerated in compliance with regulations outlined in the Hazardous & Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules. This incineration process, conducted at the Common Hazardous Waste Treatment Storage & Disposal Facility in Taloja, ensures minimal environmental impact under the supervision of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB).
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