DRI Foils Attempt to Smuggle 1632 Grams of Gold Bars from Kuwait to Chandigarh
Punjab News Latest, Mohali News: In a significant operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) under the Commissionerate of Customs Ludhiana successfully intercepted and recovered gold worth Rs 98.61 lakh at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Mohali. The illicit consignment was being smuggled by a passenger traveling from Kuwait to Chennai and finally to Chandigarh.
Customs staff, acting on intelligence, apprehended a passenger on flight 65-6005 from Chennai to Chandigarh and seized 1632 grams of gold bars valued at Rs 98.61 lakh. The passenger, upon interrogation, disclosed that he was instructed to transport the gold bars obtained from the seat of flight 6E-1242 from Kuwait to Chennai. The individual has been arrested, and the investigation is underway.
The Arrest was facilitated through the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS), highlighting the efficacy of modern technology in curbing smuggling activities. This incident follows a recent case where a passenger was caught attempting to transport five gold sheets resembling credit cards and a gold biscuit weighing 520 grams, collectively valued at Rs 27.73 lakh. The credit card-shaped sheets were concealed in the wallet's pocket slot.
In another instance earlier this week, DRI officials, using APIS, intercepted two passengers arriving at Mohali Airport from Dubai. The subsequent search led to the recovery of 3 silver-coated gold crosses and 2 silver-coated gold chains weighing 750 grams, with an estimated value of Rs 39.98 lakh. The smuggled gold, seized from the Dubai flight, was valued at Rs 67.71 lakh.
The series of successful interceptions underscore the vigilant efforts of customs and law enforcement agencies at Mohali Airport to combat the illegal transportation of precious metals into the country. Authorities remain committed to safeguarding national interests and curbing the activities of those involved in smuggling operations.
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