By Leslie Rajan 
Crackdown on Smuggling Operations
In a series of intensive operations spanning five days from July 10 to 14, Mumbai Customs officials at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport seized a staggering haul of smuggled goods worth Rs 13.24 crore. The seizures included over 13.24 kg of gold and various electronics.
Variety of Seizures
The Customs department arrested seven individuals across 24 cases for attempting to smuggle gold into the country. The smuggled gold was cleverly concealed in different forms, including gold dust hidden in wax, crude jewellery, and gold bars. Techniques ranged from concealing items in clothing and between layers of paper to hiding them within the body.
Details of the Operations
During these operations:
- Five Indian nationals arriving from Dubai (2), Abu Dhabi (2), and Jeddah (1) were intercepted with 24 KT gold dust, crude gold chains, and bangles weighing a total of 4,850 grams.
- Two Indian nationals from Muzaffarnagar and Haridwar were caught with 24 KT gold dust concealed in wax, weighing 1,950 grams.
- A significant discovery was made when 24 KT gold dust in wax form, with a net weight of 3,010 grams and worth Rs 1.89 crore, was found hidden under a tap water platform in an aircraft’s washroom.
Additional Seizures
In separate incidents, 16 Indian nationals traveling from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain, and Sharjah were found carrying 3,431 grams of gold and electronics valued at Rs 2.16 crore. These passengers were booked but not arrested as the quantities seized did not meet the threshold for serious smuggling charges.
Foreign Currency Seizures
Furthermore, the Customs officials intercepted two foreign nationals bound for Bangkok and seized foreign currency amounting to Rs 45 lakh. The currencies included €7,300, $2,500, £29,000, and NZ$12,000, concealed in specially tailored compartments within laptop bags.
Conclusion
The concerted efforts of the Mumbai Customs have thwarted multiple attempts at smuggling valuable goods into the country, underscoring their vigilance and commitment to enforcing strict border controls.