A high-tech attempt to smuggle 10 gold bars each weighing 10 tolas valued at Rs. 35.59 lakh was foiled by the Customs officials at the Visakhapatnam International Airport on Thursday.
The attempt was made by one P. Anil Kumar holding an Indian passport when he arrived by Air India flight from Dubai by concealing the gold in a special cavity created inside the transformer of a battery charger and carrying it in his baggage.
A concerted profiling of passengers coming from the Gulf was being maintained by the Customs officials following a series of seizure of contraband gold in the recent past. The accused was intercepted when he tried to walk out through green channel, meant for passengers without any dutiable goods.
The gold totally weighing 1,116 grams and valued at Rs. 35,59,045 in the market was seized under relevant rules of the Customs Act and the passenger was arrested. Further investigation is on, Customs Commissioner C. Rajendiran said.
In another instance, Customs officers on April 22 detected two gold bars concealed in the sole of the shoes of a passenger coming from Dubai. The case is under investigation.
