Mangalore: Passenger arrested at airport with gold worth Rs 40.48 lac

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Feb 1: In one of the biggest hauls in the recent weeks, the officers of customs at Mangalore International Airport on Friday January 31 seized a gold bar weighing one kg and eight silver coated metallic gold wires, altogether weighing 1,350.800 grams valued at Rs 40,48,450.

The gold was found concealed in the beading of a trolley bag belonging to a passenger.

The passenger, identified as Mohammed Azhar, is a resident of Bhatkal. He arrived at Mangalore International Airport on January 31 at around 7.30 am by Air India Express flight IX 814 from Dubai.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of Krishna Kumar Prasad, assistant commissioner of customs, who also recorded the statement of the passenger.

The passenger was arrested and produced before the magistrate who remanded him in judicial custody for 14 days.

Further investigation is on, under the supervision of customs commissioner D Purushottam.

In a press note, Krishna Kumar Prasad stated that in similar modus operandi, earlier too passengers have tried to smuggle in gold, but were caught by the customs officials. During the month of January, due to increased vigil, the officers of customs at the airport have detected six cases involving seizure of 3,476.01 grams of gold valued at Rs 106.34 lac, Prasad said.