KOCHI: In an operation spanning nearly a week ending on Sunday, Customs officials at the Cochin International Airport seized 3.225 kg of gold worth Rs 1 crore. In the latest instance a total of 1.14 kg of gold was seized from a Kozhikode native, who arrived by an Air India flight from Dubai on Saturday. The yellow metal was concealed in semi-solid paste form, filled in a polythene cover and strapped on to the waist of the passenger which was valued at Rs 35.79 lakh.
Kochi Customs Commissioner Sumit Kumar said gangs from Kasargod are targeting the country's airports with their innovative and traditional smuggling skills. The passengers used various modes like hiding gold in rectum, shoes and innerwear and also in semi-solid paste form. It is understood that smugglers are trying to use the current rush in passengers from the Gulf countries to Kerala as a cover for their operation.
“Due to the high demand for gold in Kerala, the gangs from Kasargod are using multiple teams of smugglers to bring the yellow metal from Dubai and other sensitive stations using new and unique methods of concealment,” Mr Kumar said. “For each kilo of gold smuggled in from Dubai, the operator and financier makes a neat Rs 3 lakh or more, of which he would spend up to Rs 1 lakh on the carrier for air travel, lodging and commission. With these kinds of profits, we in Kerala Customs have a tough task catching these Kasargod smugglers,’’ he added.
