Ahmedabad Customs Intercepts Passenger with Gold Concealed in Body
In a dramatic smuggling attempt, Ahmedabad customs officials have seized gold worth approximately Rs 21.9 lakh from a passenger who arrived at the city's SVPI Airport from Abu Dhabi. The individual had ingeniously concealed the precious metal inside capsules that he swallowed prior to his journey.
Details of the Interception and Medical Examination
The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) officers of Ahmedabad customs acted on specific inputs and intercepted the passenger upon his arrival on February 19. During initial interrogation, the passenger confessed to having concealed metallic or contraband items within his body by swallowing them.
Following an order from the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Ahmedabad dated February 19, the passenger was promptly admitted to Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad for a thorough medical examination to detect the concealed items.
Discovery and Confirmation of Gold
At the hospital, medical professionals conducted tests and discovered that the man had ingested three yellow-colored capsules and one spherical steel-colored ball. The medical report, finalized on February 21, confirmed the presence of these concealed objects and noted the passenger's subsequent discharge from the hospital.
A government-appointed valuer examined the seized metal and confirmed it to be gold. Specifically, the haul consisted of 135 grams of 24-karat gold, with an estimated market value of Rs 21.9 lakh.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigation
The customs department has seized the gold under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. According to an official release, the seizure was made because the gold was attempted to be smuggled into India through body concealment without any declaration to customs authorities.
Further investigation into the matter is currently in progress to uncover potential networks or accomplices involved in this smuggling operation. This incident highlights the ongoing vigilance of customs officials in combating innovative smuggling techniques at international airports.
The case underscores the risks and legal consequences associated with smuggling activities, especially those involving high-value commodities like gold. Authorities continue to urge passengers to comply with customs regulations to avoid severe penalties.
