Cochin customs thwart gold smuggling attempts, seize over 500g of gold

The Customs department at Cochin International Airport in Kerala has successfully intercepted multiple attempts at smuggling gold. The latest operation, conducted late on Tuesday, resulted in the recovery of over 500 grams of gold worth approximately Rs 25.75 lakhs from a passenger arriving from Bahrain. The gold was concealed beneath the inner soles of the traveller's shoes.

According to officials, the discovery unfolded during a routine examination of a female passenger returning to Cochin. "During the examination of a lady passenger coming from Bahrain to Cochin, 2 square-shaped black-coloured packets containing gold in paste form weighing 275.94 grams concealed under the inner sole of her shoes, and five crude bangles and one gold chain weighing 253.45 grams worn on her body were recovered and seized," stated the airport customs in an official statement.

The persistent efforts of the Customs department have been evident in a string of recent successes. Just days prior to this incident, on Sunday, officials seized a significant amount of gold in compound form, totaling 1,364.60 grams and valued at around Rs. 60 lakhs, from two separate passengers. Additionally, another passenger identified as Muhammed from Thalassery was apprehended with 300 grams of gold ingeniously concealed within a chain.

Cochin Customs officials said, "Both were apprehended.”

This surge in gold smuggling attempts at the Cochin International Airport is not an isolated phenomenon. In similar incidents two weeks ago, officials successfully seized gold worth Rs 50 lakhs from a passenger arriving from Dubai. The gold was discreetly packaged within four cylindrical-shaped capsules, underscoring the attempts of traffickers to outsmart security measures.

The trend of creative smuggling tactics continued on July 18 when the Customs Department confiscated gold valued at Rs 29.75 lakh from a passenger at Cochin International Airport. An official shared, "Three capsules containing gold in paste form, totaling 629.50 grams, were seized. The capsules were concealed inside his rectum."

Yet another incident occurred on July 11 involving the seizure of 554.600 grams of gold from a passenger at the same airport. Officials revealed that the passenger had concealed the gold within his rectum. The detained individual was en route from Malaysia to Kochi when intercepted by authorities.

(With ANI inputs)