Officers of the Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone–III, have detected a unique smuggling attempt involving antique coins being brought into India from London.
The seizure was made during duty operations on February 10, after a passenger arriving from London by Virgin Atlantic Airlines flight VS-354 (dated February 9) was intercepted and examined. Upon inspection, Customs officials recovered antique gold and silver coins concealed in his possession.
According to officials, the seized items include a gold coin weighing 12.37 grams from the East India Company era, identified as a Bengal Presidency Gold Mohur minted at Murshidabad in the name of Shah Alam II (AH 1202/RY 19). Another gold coin weighing 8 grams was found to belong to the Ancient Kushan Empire, bearing the name of ruler Huvishka and identified as a Gold Dinar.
In addition, a silver coin weighing 11.44 grams was seized. The coin is a Mughal-era Silver Rupee from the reign of Emperor Jahangir, featuring the Zodiac sign Cancer and minted at Ahmadabad.
Customs officials are further investigating the case to ascertain the intent behind the smuggling attempt and the valuation of the seized antique coins. Further legal action is being initiated under the provisions of the Customs Act.