Mumbai: In a significant operation, Mumbai Customs officials on Sunday dismantled an alleged international gold smuggling racket at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), seizing smuggled gold valued at over ₹4.19 crore from two passengers who arrived from Dubai.
Details of the Seizure
Acting on specific intelligence, the Air Intelligence Unit of Customs intercepted two passengers, identified as Sanket Gadave and Pratik Jadhav, who were traveling from Dubai. The duo was suspected of attempting to smuggle prohibited or restricted goods into India. Gadave is a native of Kolhapur, while Jadhav hails from Sangli.
Customs officers strategically positioned themselves near the exit gate of the arrival hall and intercepted the passengers after they crossed the green channel. The individuals were identified through their passports and questioned about carrying any dutiable goods, gold, or contraband items. Both denied having any such items.
Search and Recovery
Officials first examined their baggage but found no incriminating material. Subsequently, personal searches were conducted in the presence of gazetted Customs officers under Section 102 of the Customs Act, 1962. During the search of Sanket Gadave, officers recovered a black pouch concealed inside his clothing. The pouch appeared unusually heavy, and upon questioning, Gadave allegedly admitted that it contained gold in wax form. A similar pouch was recovered from Pratik Jadhav, who allegedly stated that it contained gold dust in wax form.
Modus Operandi
Customs officials revealed that the accused disclosed during questioning that the pouches were handed over to them by a Dubai-based individual linked to a gold smuggling syndicate. The duo allegedly admitted that the gold was intended to be smuggled into India without declaration before Customs authorities. According to investigators, Gadave was found carrying gold weighing 1,341.800 grams gross and 1,300 grams net, valued at ₹2.09 crore. Jadhav carried 1,340.400 grams gross and 1,300 grams net, also valued at ₹2.09 crore. In total, Customs seized 2,682 grams gross weight and 2,600 grams net weight of gold valued at ₹4.19 crore.
Concealment and Duty Evasion
Officials stated that the gold was concealed inside socks and hidden on their persons to evade Customs checks. Since no legal ownership documents or baggage declaration were produced, the gold was seized under the Customs Act. Customs officials estimated that if the gold had been legally imported through the baggage route, a duty of approximately ₹1.46 crore would have been payable.
Investigation and Network
Investigators said the accused have so far failed to disclose complete details regarding the intended recipients of the smuggled gold in India, the handlers who arranged the operation, and other members of the syndicate. Officials are now probing the wider network, including suspected hawala transactions, procurement channels, and international links associated with the smuggling operation.
