Ahmedabad Customs Thwarts Gold Smuggling Attempts, Seizes High-Value Jewellery
In a significant crackdown on illicit activities, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the customs department in Ahmedabad apprehended four women on Sunday for attempting to smuggle approximately 945.5 grams of 24-carat gold jewellery into the country. The seized items, which included seven gold chains and seven gold bangles, had a market value of Rs 1.52 crore, according to official statements.
Rhodium Plating Used to Conceal Gold
Officials revealed that the gold jewellery was cleverly plated with rhodium, a rare and silvery-white metal, to mask its true nature and evade detection during security checks. This sophisticated method highlights the evolving tactics employed by smuggling syndicates to bypass customs scrutiny. The customs department's release stated that the seizure was made after a thorough examination of suspicious baggage scanning images from passengers arriving from Jeddah to Ahmedabad.
"Based on suspicious baggage scanning images, AIU officers conducted a thorough examination of a group of passengers arriving from Jeddah to Ahmedabad," the release noted. "During the examination, four female passengers were found to have concealed seven gold chains (rhodium-coated) and seven gold bangles, totalling 945.57g, of 24 Kt purity."
Investigation Uncovers Travel Agent Link
Preliminary investigations suggest that the gold was allegedly provided to the women by a travel agent who was accompanying them at the time of the interception. The customs department has seized the gold under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and a further probe is currently underway to uncover the broader network involved in this smuggling operation.
A senior official commented on the trend, stating, "Gold's market rate and attempts at smuggling it are linked as the number of such incidents in a given period give a fair idea. Organized smuggling syndicates get creative with their modus operandi. Several attempts to sneak in gold have been thwarted by the customs department in the past few months at airports in Gujarat."
Separate Incident: Gold Concealed in Mouth
In a related development, customs officials on Saturday apprehended a man returning to India from Bangkok with gold hidden in his mouth. The AIU officers, based on passenger profiling, intercepted the male passenger arriving at Ahmedabad airport on January 31. Upon examination, they discovered capsule-shaped gold bars, weighing 108.07 grams and wrapped in black adhesive tape, concealed in his mouth.
The gold, with a market value of Rs 17.93 lakh, has been seized. Sources indicated that the man taped the gold granules to avoid detection during security checks. This incident underscores the persistent efforts by individuals to smuggle gold through innovative and risky methods.
Ongoing Vigilance and Future Actions
The customs department continues to enhance its surveillance and profiling techniques to combat gold smuggling at airports across Gujarat. These recent seizures reflect the effectiveness of such measures in intercepting illicit activities. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior, as they intensify efforts to dismantle smuggling networks operating in the region.
As investigations progress, more details are expected to emerge regarding the involvement of travel agents and the broader syndicates behind these smuggling attempts. The customs department remains committed to upholding the law and preventing the illegal import of gold and other contraband items into the country.
