Customs officials at Amritsar’s Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International (SGRDJI) airport has arrested a person and seized 13 gold biscuits weighing 1.5 kg worth over Rs 86 lakh hidden in liquor bottles. On the basis of profiling and suspicious activity, the person, who was coming from Sharjah on an Indigo flight, was intercepted by customs officials on March 12.
“On searching his belongings, 13 gold biscuits weighing 1516 grams having market value of Rs 86,41,200 were found concealed in three liquor bottles. The gold has been seized and the passenger has been arrested. Further investigations are in progress,” the customs department said.
Punjab | Amritsar airport customs arrested a person & seized 13 gold biscuits weighing 1516 gm valued over Rs 86 lakhs hidden in liquor bottles. Further investigation in progress: Customs pic.twitter.com/q0HR50tnf4
— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2023
In another similar incident last week, a cabin crew member of Air India Express was arrested on Thursday for allegedly smuggling over 1.4 kg gold through Cochin International Airport.
The accused Air India Express cabin crew member, identified as Shafi, a native of Wayanad, was caught by the Air Intelligence Unit of the Customs department at the Kochi Airport. He was carrying gold wrapped around his hands and his shirt’s sleeves
Kochi | Air India cabin crew Shafi, a native of Wayanad, was arrested at Kochi Airport for smuggling 1,487 gms of gold. The cabin crew was of Bahrain-Kozhikode-Kochi service. Further interrogation underway: Customs Preventive Commissionerate pic.twitter.com/1nxVzF2fA7
— ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2023
Photos shared by news agency ANI showed that the gold was taped to Shafi’s arms and concealed under his full-sleeved shirt. Air India Express has suspended the cabin crew member.
“A member of the crew on an Air India Express flight IX 474 has been taken into custody following an incident involving smuggling. The said individual has been placed on suspension with immediate effect,” the airline’s statement read.
“Air India Express has zero tolerance for such behaviour and will be taking stern action against the individual including termination of service following receipt of the report from the investigative authorities,” it added.