In a shocking case of body concealment, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Mumbai Customs apprehended a 26-year-old man from Tamil Nadu for attempting to smuggle a substantial quantity of gold dust into India. The incident occurred on Tuesday at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Specific Intel Leads to Interception
Acting on precise and specific intelligence, AIU officials were on high alert for a passenger arriving from Bangkok. They identified and intercepted the suspect, Sikandar Ibrahimsha, upon his arrival. The initial check of his luggage, however, did not reveal any contraband.
Given the reliability of their information, the officials decided to conduct a more thorough examination. The suspect was taken for an X-ray scan of his body. The X-ray images clearly revealed foreign objects concealed within his rectum, confirming the intelligence input.
The Unusual Concealment and Recovery
Following the necessary permission from a court, Sikandar Ibrahimsha was sent to a hospital for the extraction of the concealed items. The procedure led to the recovery of two oval-shaped capsules from his body.
Upon carefully opening these capsules, officials discovered they were filled with gold dust. The total weight of the precious metal was a staggering 849 grams. The estimated market value of the seized gold dust is approximately Rs 2.5 crores.
Legal Action and Ongoing Vigilance
The accused was immediately placed under arrest under the relevant sections of the Customs Act. This case highlights the increasingly inventive methods employed by smuggling syndicates to bypass airport security.
The Mumbai Customs' AIU has demonstrated effective follow-up on intelligence, leading to a significant seizure. Such operations are crucial in curbing the illegal flow of gold and other valuables into the country, which has a direct impact on the economy. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining strict vigilance on all international routes, especially those known for such activities.
