Officials of the Customs Preventive Wing here and the Customs Preventive Commissionerate in Kochi took into custody a bullion dealer on Thursday in connection with the smuggling of gold from the UAE through the Cochin International Airport.
A senior official said P. Shanavas, 40, alias Shinu, from Padanilam, near Kunnamangalam, who runs his business from Ashida Gold on Kamath Lane here, was taken into custody for his alleged involvement in the case. As much as 1.4 kg of gold and Rs 3.5 lakh in cash were recovered from him. He would be taken to Kochi on Friday, the official said.
His arrest has not been recorded. He is being questioned about his links with P.K. Faiz, alleged kingpin in the case, and his associate, Ashraf, who had engaged two women to smuggle 20 kg of gold through the airport last month. Previously, officials raided the house of Ashraf, who is absconding.
