Big action at Mumbai airport, two arrested with gold and diamond jewelery worth crores

Maharashtra: In a major operation at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport, the Customs Department has seized undeclared gold and diamond jewelry worth crores of rupees in two separate incidents. Two individuals, including a Canadian citizen of Indian origin, have been arrested in connection with these cases. According to officials, these actions were carried out during separate operations in which large quantities of precious jewelry were confiscated from international passengers.

The first incident occurred early Wednesday morning when Customs officials intercepted Sukhpal Singh (34), a Canadian national arriving from Toronto, on suspicion. A thorough search of his luggage during the preliminary investigation allegedly revealed a large quantity of diamond-studded jewelry. Officials stated that the jewelry had been brought into India without any valid declaration.

The Customs Department reported that the passenger was detained after a discrepancy was found between his declarations and the actual contents of his luggage. A detailed investigation subsequently revealed that he was allegedly attempting to smuggle in valuable diamond jewelry by concealing it. The seized jewelry is estimated to be worth crores of rupees, although the final valuation is still underway.

In a similar incident, another passenger was intercepted at the airport, and undeclared gold and other precious jewelry were allegedly recovered from their possession. This operation was also conducted on the same day, marking a significant success for the Customs Department.

Officials stated that the goods found with the passengers in both cases have been seized in accordance with regulations, and further legal proceedings have been initiated. Preliminary investigations indicate that in both instances, attempts were made to bring precious metals and jewelry into the country without declaration, which constitutes a violation of customs regulations.

The Customs Department stated that continuous surveillance is being maintained on passengers arriving on international flights to curb the illegal smuggling of gold, diamonds, and other precious items. The department also clarified that security and screening procedures at the airport have been further tightened to ensure immediate action in such cases.

Following this incident, vigilance regarding airport security arrangements has been heightened. Officials state that rigorous screening of passengers traveling on international routes will continue in order to prevent any form of illegal activity.

Currently, the two arrested individuals are being interrogated, and efforts are underway to determine whether a larger network or smuggling ring is operating behind this.