Mangaluru: New Modus Operandi of gold smuggling detected by Customs at City Airport

Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 16 Dec 2015: The customs officers of Mangaluru International Airport effected 4 seizers of gold weighing 824 grams valued over Rs 21.22 lac in 4 separate seizures in the recent past.

 

In the first detection, gold in the form of thin strips and 1 gold coin were found concealed in the waist portion and pocket of the denim trousers/shirts carried by a passenger. Another case was detected while rummaging the aircraft when 2 gold bars were found concealed under the seat cushion. The gold bars, left behind in the aircraft by the passenger who came from Dubai, were attempted to be retrieved by his accomplice on its immediate departure in domestic sector to Mumbai. Both the passengers were apprehended. 

 

The third detection had 2 gold bars suitably modified to fit into the battery slots and concealed inside mobile phones carried by a passenger. The fourth detection of 2 gold bars was recovered from a lady passenger who had concealed them on her person. 

 

As the smugglers are changing modus operandi as and when detections are made, customs officers are keeping a strict vigil on such suspicious passengers and their baggage are subjected to a detailed examination to thwart any attempt to smuggle gold and prohibited goods.

 

Further investigations are under progress.