Chennai: Gold worth Rs 52.5 lakh seized by customs

Chennai: Customs officials at the Chennai international airport on Saturday detected three cases of gold smuggling, and one case of smuggling of saffron, cigarettes and mobile phones and watches worth Rs 52.5 lakh.

Officials said on Saturday morning that AIU officials intercepted Rawther Naina (25) and Pakkeer Mohamed (25) from Ramanathapuram, who had arrived from Singapore by Air India Express flight. Later in the day, Mohamed Abdul (25) also from Ramanathapuram, who had arrived from Dubai via Colombo by a Sri Lankan Airlines flight was intercepted on suspicion of carrying gold on their person.

On intense questioning, all three admitted to having concealed gold in the form of rubbery material in their rectum. As many as 937 grams of gold valued at Rs 36.51 lakh were recovered and seized under the provisions of Customs Act 1962.

In another case, Zakir Hussain (24) of Sivaganga, who arrived from Dubai via Colombo by a Sri Lankan Airlines flight was intercepted. As he appeared to be nervous, the examination of his checked-in baggage was carried out.

During the search, five I-phones XS MAX  and five of Apple smartwatch Series 4 valued at Rs 4.20 lakh; Iranian grade-1 Termes Saffron weighing 4.75 kg valued at Rs 11.5 lakh along with 12 cartons of Gudang Garam cigarettes, valued at Rs 29,000 were recovered.

Totally, goods valued at Rs 16 lakh were recovered and seized under the provisions of Customs Act 1962.

Investigations are under progress.