Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 17: The Customs Department has seized nearly 10.5 kg of smuggled gold worth Rs 8.5 cr in four separate operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) over Friday and Saturday. Three airport staff members have been arrested in connection with the smuggling.

Acting on suspicion, officials intercepted a private airport staff member and found six oval-shaped capsules of 24-carat gold dust in wax form hidden in his pockets. The recovered gold, weighing approximately 2.8 kg, was valued at Rs 2.28 cr.

In a similar operation, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) intercepted another staff member in the departure area and found seven capsules of gold dust in wax form concealed in his underwear. This haul weighed 2.9 kg and was valued at Rs 2.36 cr.

During a night shift operation, a third private staffer was caught carrying two pouches of gold dust in wax, weighing around 1.61 kg and valued at Rs 1.31 cr.

All three employees were arrested under relevant sections of the Customs Act, 1962, and further investigation is underway to trace the source and intended recipients of the smuggled gold.

In a separate incident, based on specific intelligence, Customs officials searched garbage bins in an international flight's lavatories and pantry, recovering 3.12 kg of gold worth Rs 2.53 cr hidden in black garbage bags.