Panaji, July 19: The Goa Crime Branch has successfully thwarted a major smuggling attempt by seizing approximately 1.30 kilograms of liquid gold. The estimated value of the confiscated gold in the international market is around ₹1.5 crore. Two individuals from Kerala have been arrested in connection with this case. The police have handed over the suspects to the customs department for further investigation and legal action.
The operation took place on Friday night under the direction of Rahul Gupta, Superintendent of Police (Crime) for the Goa Crime Branch. A team led by Police Inspector Nikhil Palekar intercepted two suspicious individuals in the Sukhe Kulan area of Dhargal and conducted a search. During the search, they discovered about 1.30 kilograms of gold.
The arrested suspects have been identified as 35-year-old Hasan Niyaz and 57-year-old Mohammad Kunhi, both residents of Kasaragod district in Kerala.
According to the police, the suspects were under surveillance following a tip-off. Initial investigations revealed that Hasan Niyaz had arrived in Goa carrying the gold on a Qatar Airways flight from Dubai. Meanwhile, Mohammad Kunhi traveled by train from Kasaragod to Madgaon, where he met Hasan Niyaz at Mopa Airport. The two were apprehended shortly after they departed together.
Police reported that during the legal search, gold was found in specially designed pockets within the suspects’ vests and undergarments. The seizure was conducted in the presence of witnesses, adhering to all legal protocols.
The total weight of the seized liquid gold is approximately 1.30 kilograms. After their arrest, both suspects were handed over to the officials of the Mormugao Customs Department for further investigation and necessary legal proceedings. The investigation is ongoing, and police are working to uncover any additional individuals connected to this smuggling network.
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