The Customs Department in Kerala detained an Air India crew member at the Kochi airport (CIAL) on suspicion of attempting to smuggle gold. He was apprehended with 1,487 grams, or nearly 1.5 kilograms, of gold paste rolled around his arm and concealed by a full-sleeve shirt.
Gold smuggling through Green Channel:
In any case, this is the second occasion this year that a member of the airline’s staff has been apprehended while attempting to smuggle gold through the green channel.
Shafi, a Wayanad district native from Kerala, was recognized as the detained Air India employee. The officials stated that he is currently being questioned further. His plan was to cover the gold with his shirt sleeves and go through the green customs clearance line, which is only for travellers without any dutiable items to declare.
A member of the Air India cabin crew on the Bahrain-Kozhikode-Kochi flight was allegedly transporting gold, according to confidential information received by the Customs Preventive Commissionerate. Shafi is being questioned by customs officials, according to officials, who also said that an investigation is ongoing.
The tip led to Shafi’s capture at Kochi Airport. He had wrapped the gold paste around his arms, according to a picture released by a news organization.
Reports indicate that the accused arrived in Kochi from Bahrain at approximately 8.30 p.m. Less than two hours later, at 10.20 p.m., he was captured and taken to the preventive wing of customs.
Read more about the related news:
In related news, gold bars worth Rs 3.32 crore were seized at Chennai International Airport. Two passengers, including a citizen of Sri Lanka, were detained in this regard, the Customs department reports.
Two passengers who arrived in Chennai on Tuesday from Singapore had 68 gold bars totalling 6.8 kilograms hidden in their luggage. Following specific cues that pointed them in the direction of the passengers, the authorities made the discovery.
