New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested the two main conspirators in connection with its probe into the Jaipur gold smuggling case and also carried out searches at four locations in Rajasthan.

An NIA spokesperson here said that it had arrested Chuna Ram and Aizaz Khan, both residents of Rajasthan's Nagaur district, on Tuesday.

The agency also conducted searches at four locations in Rajasthan in connection with a case pertaining to the seizure of 18.5 kg smuggled gold bars at the Jaipur International Airport on July 3 this year.

The official said that both of them were among the main conspirators in the commission of crime.

"They were working in Riyadh and were friends of the couriers (already arrested) and had established a well-planned network for smuggling gold from Riyadh to India," the official said.

He added that during the searches, various electronic items like pen drives, mobile phones, laptops and other incriminating documents have been seized.

All the accused persons had arrived from Riyadh by SpiceJet Flight No. SG-9647. They, along with their associates, had entered into a criminal conspiracy to smuggle gold into India.

The gold in the form of bars and biscuits was concealed in the battery of emergency lights which were kept in checked-in baggage (cartons).

NIA had registered the case under Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code and Section 16 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act on September 22 this year.

So far, the NIA has arrested 11 persons in connection with the case.

The NIA is also investigating the Kerala gold smuggling case.