Custom officials arrested two people and seized 5.75 kilograms of gold valued at Rs 5.10 crore in two cases of smuggling at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Saturday, an official said.
According to a statement, in the first case, one individual working in a lounge at the airport was intercepted when he was crossing over to the departure area. The customs officials recovered six pouches containing gold dust in wax form, weighing 2,800 grams, valued at Rs 2.48 crore from his inner wear. The gold was apparently handed over to him by a transit passenger, the statement said, adding that the person was arrested.
In the other case, one person working on contractual basis was intercepted when he was crossing the staff exit point at the departure area. The officials recovered six pouches containing dold dust in wax, weighing 2,950 grams, valued at Rs 2.62 crore from the pocket of his jacket.
“In this case too, the gold was apparently handed over to him by a transit passenger. The person has been arrested,” the statement said.
Gold is relatively cheaper in the Gulf countries, which makes several fliers resort to smuggling the expensive metal and profit from the difference in prices.
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