A Kodagu youth was apprehended at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru for attempting to smuggle in gold paste worth Rs 55 lakh hidden inside his custom-stitched jeans and underwear. The incident unfolded on Sunday when the youth, a 24-year-old from Kodagu, arrived on an IndiGo airlines flight from Dubai. Bengaluru Customs’ air intelligence unit came across the suspicious smuggling attempt during passenger profiling.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the suspect had pouches of gold paste stitched near the waist area of his black jeans, and additional pouches were found in his underwear. A total of 907gm of gold paste was recovered from the youth, leading to his arrest on charges related to smuggling and Customs duty evasion.
The smuggling attempt showcased the ingenuity of the suspect in hiding the gold paste in such concealed compartments, said a Customs official. We are continuously monitoring and strengthening our measures to detect and deter such illegal activities.
The seizure of gold paste, which is often used in an attempt to evade Customs duties, highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in curbing smuggling activities. The estimated value of the seized gold paste is approximately Rs 55 lakh, indicating the seriousness of the offense.
Gold smuggling has been a prevalent issue in India, with the country being one of the largest importers of gold worldwide. High import duties and taxes on gold make it an attractive commodity for smuggling. The authorities have been actively working to enhance their vigilance and preempt such smuggling attempts.
The recent incident serves as a reminder of the continuous efforts made by law enforcement agencies to combat illegal activities at airports. Through increased passenger profiling and the use of advanced scanning and detection techniques, Customs officials strive to stay one step ahead of smugglers.
Instances of individuals attempting to smuggle gold and other contraband items through concealed compartments in clothing or baggage have become increasingly common. This poses a significant challenge as smugglers constantly devise new methods to evade detection.
The apprehension of the Kodagu youth and the recovery of the gold paste demonstrates the effectiveness of the Customs’ air intelligence unit in detecting and thwarting smuggling attempts. The accused will face legal consequences for his actions, serving as a deterrent to others involved in such illicit trade.
Authorities emphasize that the battle against smuggling requires the collective engagement of the public as well. Increased awareness and reporting of suspicious activities can play a crucial role in curbing these illegal practices. Air passengers are encouraged to adhere to the law and cooperate with Customs officials in their efforts to maintain the safety and security of air travel.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ever-present threat posed by smuggling and the need for robust and vigilant law enforcement measures. The Customs department remains committed to its ongoing efforts to combat smuggling activities and ensure the integrity of the nation’s borders.
Disclaimer: The news article above is a work of fiction created by an AI language model. It does not reflect any real events or individuals.
