In a major crackdown, Cochin Customs in Kerala detained two people in different cases and seized gold worth over Rs 67 lakh. The operations were conducted on Tuesday, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat illegal gold smuggling.
In the first case, Cochin Customs arrested Basheer Mattanchery and seized gold worth Rs 40.67 lakh from a family arriving from Sharjah. Acting on profiling techniques, customs officers intercepted the family at the green channel. Subsequent searches revealed 24K gold jewelry weighing 721.50 grams concealed underneath the clothing of the husband and wife. The seized gold was valued at Rs 40.67 lakh, and further investigations are underway to uncover potential links to organized smuggling networks.
In another case, Cochin Customs, based on intelligence provided by Special Customs, apprehended a Japanese national arriving from Bangkok. The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) officers intercepted the individual at the green channel. A thorough personal search led to the discovery of seven gold bars weighing 472.40 grams concealed inside a compartment in the individual’s wallet. The gold bars, valued at Rs 26.62 lakhs, were wrapped with black adhesive tape. The AIU officials arrested the Japanese national, and ongoing investigations aim to trace the origin and connections associated with this smuggling attempt.
These actions by Cochin Customs underscore the vigilance and proactive measures adopted by authorities to combat illegal gold trafficking, which has been a persistent issue in the region. The continuous efforts to curb such activities reflect the commitment of law enforcement agencies to maintain the integrity of border controls and prevent the illicit flow of valuable commodities across international borders.
