In a major crackdown, customs officials at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport have seized 5.75 kilograms of gold being illegally brought into the country. The seizure, valued at approximately ₹3.75 crore (USD 450,000), resulted in the arrest of two individuals, marking another success for the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) in its fight against gold smuggling.
Incident Details
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Location: Mumbai International Airport
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Total Gold Seized: 5.75 kg
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Estimated Market Value: ₹3.75 crore
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Individuals Arrested: 2 male passengers arriving from Dubai
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Modus Operandi: Gold concealed in electronic gadgets and body cavities
The accused were intercepted based on intelligence inputs. Detailed baggage inspection and personal frisking led to the discovery of the smuggled gold, cleverly hidden to avoid detection.
Customs and AIU Response
A senior customs official confirmed the arrest and added that the case is under further investigation. The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) continues to monitor high-risk flights and passengers in its bid to curb smuggling of precious metals.
The seized gold was handed over for forensic examination, and both suspects are being questioned for information about possible links to a larger gold smuggling syndicate.
Legal Implications
Under the Customs Act, 1962, gold smuggling is a non-bailable offense. If convicted, the arrested individuals could face:
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Seizure of goods and fines
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Imprisonment up to 7 years
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Prosecution under PMLA if money laundering is involved
FAQ – Gold Seizure at Mumbai Airport
Q1: How much gold was seized at Mumbai Airport?
A1: A total of 5.75 kilograms of gold was seized by customs officials.
Q2: What was the value of the seized gold?
A2: The gold is valued at approximately ₹3.75 crore (USD 450,000).
Q3: Where were the suspects arriving from?
A3: The two arrested individuals had arrived from Dubai, a known route for gold smuggling.
Q4: How was the gold hidden?
A4: The gold was concealed in electronic gadgets and body cavities to evade scanners and detection.
Q5: What are the penalties for smuggling gold in India?
A5: Offenders face imprisonment of up to 7 years, heavy fines, and confiscation of the smuggled items.
Q6: How does the AIU detect such smuggling attempts?
A6: The AIU uses a combination of passenger profiling, tip-offs, X-ray scans, and advanced screening techniques to identify suspects.
Conclusion
The seizure of 5.75 kg of gold at Mumbai Airport is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges Indian authorities face in curbing gold smuggling. As prices of gold remain high, smuggling attempts are expected to rise, prompting tighter airport security and enhanced intelligence sharing between national and international agencies.
Stay tuned for updates as the investigation unfolds.
Updated: May 18, 2025 By : Abhishek Rana