Monday, July 27, 2015

Gold smugglers adopt novel methods

Smugglers now adopt novel methods to conceal yellow metal. The string of seizures made by Customs officials at the airport from the “carriers” of gold stands testimony to this practice.

In a recent case, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Customs seized 274 grams of gold moulded into fine needles and meticulously inserted in the rods of four umbrellas carried by an air passenger who had landed from Singapore. The officials detained the passenger and found gold valued at Rs. 6.19 lakh concealed inside.

It was yet another new method resorted to by ‘carriers’ to smuggle in gold through the airport from where flights to Colombo, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Dubai are operated every day.

Customs authorities say gold in various forms was found hidden in audio amplifiers, toner cartridge of printers, compressors of air – conditioning units, soaps, hair bands, marker pens, induction stove, television set, laptop, electrical plugs and even chocolates.
27/07/15 R Rajaram/The Hindu
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