Nagpur: The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Nagpur Customs on Tuesday thwarted a major attempt of gold smuggling at Nagpur’s Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport. The officials of the AIU, Customs Nagpur, intercepted a passenger, Abdul Raqib, at the airport who was carrying a yellowish paste with him. The officials later on found that it was gold in ‘paste form’ and concealed in the undergarments.
As per the reports, the quantity of gold is 1.236 kg valuing approximately Rs 68.60 lakh in the market. Abdul Raqib arrived in Nagpur from Mumbai by Go First Flight No. G8-2601. In his confessional statement the same day, Abdul Raqib accepted that the gold was of foreign origin and the same was brought in concealed condition in order to evade the payment of customs duty on imported gold.
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Friday 07 Feb. 2025
During interrogation, three Aadhaar cards of three names were found in his possession. The accused was going to hand over the gold to a person in Nagpur. He said that he did not know the names of those who gave him gold in Mumbai and who wanted to give it to Nagpur.
Commissioner of Central GST Department Abhay Kumar said, after landing at Nagpur airport, the accused was detained by customs officials for questioning. During the investigation, two packets with plastic wrap were found hidden in the underwear. The total weight of gold in both these packets is 1.236 kg. Two morning calls were recorded on his mobile. After an hour, when he called the respective number from his own mobile, both were switched off. He was escorted out of the airport after questioning; But no one was seen to meet him. He was brought to the customs office for questioning. He is the one who delivers the smuggled goods to others. This is the first time he has been caught. During the operation, CISF officers provided valuable assistance.
Now gold smuggling started by domestic flights
In order to evade customs duty on imported gold, gold brought from abroad is now being smuggled through domestic air services. Therefore, the department is keeping an eye on passengers in international and domestic flights. Last year, nearly 10 kg of gold worth Rs 5 crore was seized at Nagpur Airport in three incidents. This gold was sold to the Reserve Bank and the proceeds of Rs 5 crore were deposited in the government account.
