Mumbai Airport Seizure: ₹8.47 Crore Worth of Contraband Confiscated, Four Arrested
Mumbai, January 25 : In a significant crackdown, the Customs Department seized contraband worth ₹8.47 crore at Mumbai Airport on Friday night. The haul included gold, cocaine, and foreign currency. Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, and an intensive investigation is underway.
Major Seizures at Mumbai Airport
Customs officials were conducting a special surveillance operation at the airport when they intercepted several passengers carrying smuggled goods.
- Cocaine Worth ₹7.51 Crore Seized A passenger arriving from Tanzania was found in possession of 55 capsules containing 751 grams of cocaine, valued at approximately ₹7.51 crore. The passenger was immediately taken into custody.
- Gold Smuggling from Baku and Jeddah In another operation, customs officials intercepted two passengers arriving from Baku (Azerbaijan) and Jeddah. Upon inspection:
- One passenger was found concealing 1.01 kilograms of powdered gold inside body cavities, valued at ₹75.47 lakh.
- Another passenger had 150 grams of gold bars hidden in his shoes, worth ₹11.2 lakh.
Both individuals were arrested on the spot.
- Foreign Currency Seizure During a separate inspection, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) apprehended a passenger traveling from Mumbai to Dubai. The passenger was carrying one lakh Saudi Riyals, equivalent to ₹22.4 lakh, concealed in his luggage. The individual was also detained for further questioning.
Heightened Vigilance
Customs officials have ramped up surveillance at Mumbai Airport as part of ongoing efforts to curb smuggling activities. The seizures highlight the increasing sophistication of smuggling methods, ranging from concealing contraband in body cavities to hiding it in personal belongings.
Legal Proceedings Underway
All four accused are being held for questioning, and the confiscated contraband has been sent for forensic and valuation assessments. Legal proceedings are being pursued under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act.
