Gold worth a cumulative Rs. 1.72 crore was seized from four different Indian passengers at the Mumbai International Airport with one of them having been placed under arrest, a senior Customs official said.
According to the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Customs, Abdul Hammeed Mahshook Bedira, who arrived from Dubai on an Emirates flight was intercepted and found to be carrying a total of 5.13kg gold, valued at Rs. 1.38 crore.
The yellow metal was cut into 134 pieces and concealed inside a synthesiser and solar lanterns, the official said, adding that the accused was subsequently arrested.
In the second case, passenger Samsher Moidin, who arrived from Riyadh on a Jet Airways flight, was intercepted and five gold bars valued at Rs. 12.34 lakh found hidden in his wallet, which he was carrying inside his jeans pants.
A third passenger, identified as Shereefu Kunhi, who arrived from Abu Dhabi on a Jet Airways flight, was found to have concealed 350gm gold, valued at Rs. 9.39 lakh, in a trolley bag.
The fourth case involves one Ashraf Hameed, who arrived from Saudi Arabia on a Saudia flight. Gold worth Rs. 12.45 lakh was seized from him.
As per norms, air passengers who try to smuggle in gold worth Rs. 20 lakh or above, are usually arrested.
However, the last three passengers were detained for a while following seizure of the gold found in their possession. They were later allowed to go after a warning, the official said.
The trio would be called in for questioning as and when required, the official added.
