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Probes indicate smugglers may be using aircraft toilets as drop points. Officials suspect the carrier abandoned the gold pouches mid-flight after getting nervous
This incident might indicate a new method of smuggling, with the plane’s toilet possibly being used as a drop point. (Representative/Shutterstock)
The Customs Department at Ahmedabad Airport foiled a gold smuggling bid on Sunday, seizing 1.8 kg of gold paste worth Rs 1.93 crore concealed in the toilet of a Dubai flight at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPI).
Gold Hidden In Two Pouches Inside Toilet
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According to reports from The Times of India, Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) officials uncovered two suspicious pouches concealed in the toilet, containing approximately 2,196 grams of gold in paste form.
Upon processing the paste, 1,867 grams of solid gold emerged, with a purity level of 999 (24 carats). The market value of this gold is estimated at Rs 1.93 crore, while the tariff value is around Rs 1.77 crore. The Customs Department has seized the gold under the Customs Act, 1962.
A Fresh Tactic In Smuggling Bid
Investigations suggest this incident might indicate a new method of smuggling, with the plane’s toilet possibly being used as a drop point. Officials are exploring whether the individual transporting the gold might have abandoned it after becoming anxious.
According to sources, the international smuggling network is also under scrutiny. Similar cases have previously surfaced, involving the exchange of gold in airport lounge toilets, hiding it in clothing layers, bags, or electronic goods, and concealing it in paste form.
Foreign Cigarettes Worth Rs 8 Lakh Seized
In addition to this, Customs officials seized 52,400 foreign cigarette sticks from two passengers, valued at around Rs 8 lakh. These passengers were returning to Ahmedabad from Cambodia via Malaysia, and the cigarettes were discovered during their search. Authorities are currently investigating whether the cigarettes are genuine or counterfeit.
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