New Delhi: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested 26 Kenyan nationals at the Mumbai Airport. They are all accused of allegedly trying
to smuggle gold worth Rs 37.7 crore from Nairobi. The group was arrested from Mumbai Airport’s Terminal 2. The DRI acted upon specific intelligence input from agencies, regarding a group of Kenyans trying to smuggle in gold into the country.
Officials intercepted group after crossing green channel
According to a report in the Times of India, the DRI officials chose to monitor the group near the arrival area of the flight, KQ 202. They decided to intercept them, once they crossed the green channel.
The group arrived at the Airport on Wednesday, April 8 at around 11 am. They were moving towards the green channel, but upon noticing officials there, they tried to move away. The officials then approached the group and began questioning them. While 25 people from the group identified themselves, 1 person was found to be using a fake passport. He was detained there itself.
The rest 25 denied carrying any gold on them, when questioned by the officials. However a search of 2 passengers led to recovery of gold bars concealed in their shoes. After 2 of them were caught, some other members of the group who were still at the baggage counter, began discarding objects wrapped in black tapes, said officials. The team immediately recovered those items, however, none of the other Kenyans present there, claimed ownership of these goods.
All 26 have now been detained, said officials. The group was found to be carrying 29 kg gold. The gold has now been seized and they are being questioned by the Custom officials. This is being described as a major catch by the DRI at the Mumbai Airport.
