Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Apr 20: There has been a steep increase in the quantum of gold being smuggled into the country from abroad, particularly Dubai. This has been indicated by the quantum of gold seized by the customs officials at the airport here during the recent months.

After the flight services resumed post lockdown period, inward flow of gold through illegal means has been rising. Compared to earlier years, the number of gold smuggling cases detected here has been the highest. Between January 2021 and April 19, gold weighing over 21 kg worth more than ten crore rupees was taken into custody.

In January this year, 5.92 kg of gold worth three crore rupees in eight cases, 4.94 kg gold worth Rs 3.2 crore in 15 cases during February, and 6.94 kg gold worthy Rs .3.2 crore during March were recovered. During these three months, 17.8 kg of gold worth Rs 8.592 crore in 35 cases were recovered. So far, in April, about 4 kg gold worth Rs 2.15 crore in five cases have been recovered.

Most of those who were caught smuggling gold were from Kerala, Bhatkal, and the other parts of Uttara Kannada district.

The customs officials have no clue why there has been such an alarming increase in the illegal gold smuggling. Some sources guess that more cases are caught as the customs officials have been strict in checking now. The second reason is that those who are returning home after failing to get a job in the Gulf, are being used by smugglers to send gold. Some others take the risk of smuggling gold by taking a risk for the first time, and get caught.