Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
With Inputs from Media Release

Mangalore, Jul 16: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mangalore has busted a major smuggling syndicate operating between Kozhikode (Kerala) – Dubai and Mangalore.

Acting on prior information, the officers of DRI Mangalore, on Tuesday July 15 recovered gold worth over Rs 31 lac hidden in the drainage hole in the toilet at Mangalore International Airport. Two persons were arrested in this regard.

The officials seized a gold bar weighed 1000 grams and the two gold pellets weighing 115 grams from the cleaning staff at the airport. The total weight came to 1230 grams and value of the gold is about Rs 31.64 lacs.

The officers noticed that a cleaning staff entered the toilet and tried to remove the drain cover (filter cap with multiple holes) of the said drainage hole, placed his hand inside the drainage hole and was seen retrieving 1 kg gold bar and two pieces of total bars.

On enquiry, it was revealed that a certain passenger arrived in the Air India Express Flight No IX-384 on July 15 had dumped the gold there to be retrieved by the cleaning staff.

The cleaning staff was identified as Ganesh (22) from Karambar, Kenjar at Bajpe here.

On further enquiry, Ganesh revealed that his task was to retrieve the gold kept by the passenger and hand over the same to one Naushad of BC Road, DK, at the parking area of the airport.

On further enquiry, it was noticed that Naushad was waiting outside the airport to received the gold.

The officers immediately intercepted him and questioned him. He also admitted that he was waiting for Ganesh to receive the gold. On enquiry with Naushad, it was revealed that the above gold was for certain smugglers operating between Dubai and Kozhikode in Kerala state.

The above accused were arrested and produced in the court.

Investigation is underway to identify the gang members.