Mumbai: Passenger attempts to smuggle gold hidden in rectum

The gold dust was packed in three capsules. Pic/Courtesy AIU officials

The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the customs has arrested an individual attempting to smuggle gold dust packaged in oval shaped capsules hidden in the rectum. This incident comes as part of a larger crackdown by the AIU, which, in the past week alone, has seized a total of 20.95 kg of gold worth Rs 13.57 crore in 27 cases. Additionally, the AIU also confiscated electronics, tobacco, and cigarettes valued at Rs 0.23 crore, bringing the total value of seized items to Rs 10.80 crore, as disclosed by AIU officials.

According to a senior official from the AIU familiar with the incident, "Eight Indian nationals travelling from various parts of the world like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Jeddah were apprehended by the AIU. One of the passengers among the eight apprehended was trying to smuggle gold dust concealed in oval shaped capsules hidden inside the rectum."

AIU has not disclosed details of the passenger found with concealed gold dust, but another source said, "We had received a specific tip-off about passenger who was going to land at Mumbai airport and was going to attempt smuggling dust concealed in rectum. We immediately responded to the tip-off, leading to the apprehension of the said passenger." The source added that the passenger was presented to the court and was granted judicial custody.

20.95 KG
Gold seized by AIU in 27 cases during past week