Gold, cigarettes seized from air passengers

Based on intelligence input, two passengers – Mohammed Gouse (37) of Bhatkal in Karnataka, and Absar Ali (26) of Tiruchy – who arrived from Dubai in separate flights were intercepted by the officers of the Air Intelligence Unit at the exit of Customs arrival hall on suspicion of carrying gold.

During body search, a rubbery material concealed in their rectum along with two gold ingots, totally weighing 1.063 kg of 24 carat purity, were recovered. The total value was estimated to be Rs 34.59 lakh. Absar Ali was arrested on the basis of cumulative value of his earlier offence.

On the same day, three passengers who landed here from Dubai were intercepted at exit on suspicion of carrying cigarettes. On examination of their baggage, they were found carrying 72 cartons of foreign brand cigarettes valued at Rs 1.44 lakh. The smuggled goods were seized by Customs officers, and further proceedings are on.