Mumbai, May 11 (PTI) In separate smuggling incidents, the Customs department has seized gold worth Rs 3.15 crore from two passengers, including a finance professional, who arrived at the Mumbai international
airport from Dubai officials said on Monday.
The operation was conducted at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMI) by the Airport Commissionerate of the Mumbai Customs between Saturday and Sunday, an official said.
During preliminary investigation, it came to light that the finance professional was smuggling gold to India by converting his assets into the yellow metal amid the US-Iran conflict and security concerns in the Dubai region.
The passenger, who wanted to evade duties and secure assets, was found in possession of gold worth Rs 1.74 crore, according to the official.
In another case, with the help of APIS (Advance Passenger Information System) profiling, Customs personnel intercepted a passenger and recovered gold dust in wax, concealed in a cigarette packet, on his arrival at the airport, an official statement said.
The packet contained four pouches with 1,020 gram gold valued at Rs 1.41 crore, it added.
Both passengers were placed under arrest. PTI DC RSY
