Mumbai: Singaporean national arrested at airport with gold worth Rs 2.47 crore
Maharashtra: In a major crackdown on gold smuggling, the Customs Department at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport arrested a Singaporean national. Two kilograms of 24-carat raw gold worth approximately ₹2.47 crore (approximately $2.47 billion) was recovered from the accused. Customs officials believe the case may be linked to an organized gold smuggling syndicate and are investigating in this direction.
According to Customs sources, the arrested individual, identified as F.A. Ahmed, arrived in Mumbai from Singapore on Wednesday. After landing at the airport, he was attempting to exit through the green channel, which is for passengers who do not have any prohibited or duty-levied items to declare.
However, Customs officials became suspicious of the passenger’s activities and detained him for investigation. They then conducted a thorough search of his luggage. After finding no suspicious items during the initial inspection, they also conducted a personal search.
During the search, officials found two 24-carat raw gold chains hidden in a special way around the passenger’s waist, hidden beneath his clothing. The total weight of these two chains was 2,000 grams (two kilograms). The estimated international market value of the recovered gold is estimated to be approximately ₹2.47 crore.
Customs officials immediately seized the gold and detained the accused and began questioning him. Officials say that the method of carrying the gold tied to his body indicates a well-planned smuggling operation.
Preliminary investigations by the Customs Department suspect the accused may be part of a larger international gold smuggling network. Therefore, the investigation is being expanded beyond just the seizure, aiming to uncover the entire smuggling network.
Investigative agencies are attempting to determine who provided the gold to the accused, who it was to be delivered to in India, and the other individuals involved. Furthermore, the accused’s prior travel, contacts, and financial transactions are also being examined.
According to customs officials, interrogation of the accused is expected to yield significant information. If the investigation confirms the existence of an organized racket, action will be taken against others involved in this network.
According to experts, due to the high demand for gold in India and the price differential between countries, smugglers constantly employ innovative methods. In many cases, smugglers attempt to smuggle gold by tying it to their bodies, concealing it in electronic devices, or concealing it in specially designed compartments within other luggage. The Customs Department has been uncovering such cases from time to time.
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is one of the busiest international airports in the country. Thousands of international passengers travel through it daily. Consequently, the Customs Department has strengthened its surveillance and investigation system at the airport with state-of-the-art technology and risk analysis systems.
Officials say that suspicious activities are constantly monitored and special investigations are also conducted based on intelligence. Due to this vigilance, the smuggling attempt in this case was also foiled in a timely manner.
The recovered gold has been seized, and legal action is being taken against the accused under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act. The accused will be presented in court after the necessary procedures are completed.
The Customs Department has stated that surveillance at international airports is being continuously intensified to prevent gold smuggling. The department’s objective is not only to uncover smuggling cases but also to expose the organized networks behind them.
This action at Mumbai Airport is being considered a significant success against gold smuggling. Investigating agencies are now investigating whether this case is part of a larger international smuggling ring or whether the accused was independently involved in this illegal activity. A detailed investigation is currently underway.
