Gold worth Rs 58.6 lakh seized at Chennai airport

Officials intercepted one Shahul Hameed (40) of Pasipattinam, who arrived from Dubai, on suspicion. On searching him, four packets of gold paste were recovered from his handbag. On extraction, 740 grams of gold of 24K purity, valued at Rs 38.9 lakh, was recovered and seized under the Customs Act. The officials arrested Shahul.

Earlier on Monday, one Mohamed Sajamkhan Kalandar Ayubkhan (23) of Ramanathapuram, who also arrived from Dubai, was intercepted. On persistent questioning, he confessed of carrying gold paste bundles concealed in the rectum. Five bundles of gold paste valued at Rs 19.7 lakh (375 grams) were recovered from him. It was seized under the Customs Act. Further investigation is on. Meanwhile, Customs department observed Vigilance Awareness Week from October 27 to November 2 under the theme “Vigilant India, Prosperous India”.

On Monday the prizes were distributed to winners of various competitions organised during the week. Grievance redressal camps were also organised at International Airport Terminal and Courier Terminal for passenger and stakeholders.