Mumbai Customs Seize Gold and Electronics in Major Smuggling Bust
In a major operation, Mumbai customs officials have seized around 2.427 kg of gold worth Rs 1.70 crores and electronic goods, including smartphones valued at Rs 42.14 lakh. This operation took place from October 16 to 18, involving seven separate cases. The customs authorities are working hard to stop smuggling activities by maintaining border security and tracking the origins of these illegal items.
The seized contraband was cleverly hidden in various places such as baggage, dustbins at the international airport departure area, and even in undergarments. In one significant case, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) officers found two pieces of 24Kt gold dust embedded in wax, weighing about 1,000 grams and valued at Rs 72,54,675, during a routine check at CSMI AP, Mumbai.
In another case, six passengers were caught with smuggled goods, including 22Kt gold melted bars, 24Kt gold dust in wax form, 18Kt jewelry, and 24Kt gold dust in Rexine, with a total weight of 1.427 kg, valued at Rs 97.72 lakh. They also had electronic goods, including 36 high-value phones like the iPhone 16 Pro. These passengers came from Kenya, Jeddah, Dubai, and Ra’s al-Khaimah, and had hidden the items in their baggage, undergarments, and even inside their bodies.
On the night of October 15-16, goods valued at Rs 1.25 crores were seized in two cases, found in inner garments and body concealment. A private staff member and a transit passenger involved in the smuggling were arrested. Investigations are ongoing.
Doubts Revealed
Mumbai Customs -: Mumbai Customs is a government department in Mumbai, India, responsible for checking goods that come into the country to make sure they are legal and that taxes are paid on them.
Gold Smuggling -: Gold smuggling is when people try to bring gold into a country without telling the government or paying the required taxes. This is illegal and can lead to serious consequences.
Electronics -: Electronics refer to devices like smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets that use electricity to function. They are often valuable and can be smuggled to avoid taxes.
Kenya, Jeddah, Dubai, Ra’s al-Khaimah -: These are places from where the passengers were traveling. Kenya is a country in Africa, Jeddah is a city in Saudi Arabia, Dubai is a city in the United Arab Emirates, and Ra’s al-Khaimah is another city in the United Arab Emirates.
Contraband -: Contraband refers to goods that are illegal to import or export. In this case, it includes the smuggled gold and electronics.
Transit Passenger -: A transit passenger is someone who is passing through a country on their way to another destination. They usually stay in the airport for a short time before catching their next flight.