Mumbai: Gold and Diamond Smuggling Worth ₹9.12 Crore Foiled at Mumbai Airport; One Arrested

In a significant operation, Customs officials at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) have seized gold and diamonds worth ₹9.12 crore over two days, preventing a major smuggling attempt. One passenger has been arrested in connection with the case.

According to officials, the seized items included 5.92 kg of gold and 2,147.20 carats of diamonds, cleverly hidden in belt buckles, trolley bags, undergarments, and even inside a laptop.

On February 11, during a routine security check, CISF officials at Mumbai airport detected suspicious objects in a passenger’s laptop who was flying to Bangkok on NOK flight DD-939. The passenger was handed over to the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU), which discovered 2,147.20 carats of diamonds valued at ₹4.93 crore. The passenger was arrested, and further investigation is underway.

On February 12, three passengers arriving from Dubai on Emirates flight EK-500 were intercepted by Customs officials. Upon inspection, 775 grams of 24KT crude gold, rhodium-plated rings, and buttons worth ₹61.45 lakh were found hidden inside a belt buckle and a trolley bag.

In another major seizure on the same day, 14 Kenyan nationals arriving from Nairobi were caught with 2,741 grams of 22KT melted gold bars and jewelry valued at ₹1.85 crore. The gold was concealed in their undergarments and pockets. Additionally, Customs officials found unclaimed 22KT melted gold bars weighing 2,406 grams and valued at ₹1.74 crore lying on the floor in the international arrival hall.

Customs officials have intensified checks at Mumbai airport to curb smuggling activities. Investigations are ongoing.