Ahmedabad Customs Busts Gold Smuggling Attempt via Body Concealment
The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the customs department in Ahmedabad made a significant interception on February 19, apprehending a passenger arriving from Abu Dhabi for allegedly smuggling gold by ingesting it. The passenger was found to have concealed 37.18 grams of gold, with an estimated value of approximately Rs 5.01 lakh, inside his body.
Details of the Smuggling Operation
According to an official release from the customs department, the passenger admitted to swallowing metallic contraband to evade detection. Following his apprehension, he was immediately taken to the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad for medical evaluation. At the hospital, X-rays and other diagnostic tests were conducted to confirm the presence of foreign objects within his body.
During the subsequent medical procedures, doctors successfully recovered three unshaped gold bars through stool passage. A medical report dated February 24 officially confirmed the concealment of the gold inside the passenger's body. Additionally, a certified valuer examined the recovered metal and verified it as genuine gold.
Legal Action and Seizure
Customs officials stated that the gold was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, as it was brought into India without proper declaration. This case highlights the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat smuggling activities, particularly those involving innovative concealment methods.
The incident underscores the risks smugglers take and the vigilance of customs units in detecting such illicit activities. The AIU's proactive measures in Ahmedabad have once again demonstrated their commitment to enforcing customs regulations and preventing the illegal import of valuable commodities like gold.
