Customs officials at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport in Ahmedabad on Wednesday seized 566 boxes of foreign-made cigarettes that were being smuggled in without payment of customs duties.
Interception Based on Suspicious X-ray Images
According to a release from the customs department, officers intercepted three passengers at the arrival hall of SVPI Airport based on suspicious X-ray images of their checked-in baggage. The passengers had arrived from Dubai.
Concealed Cigarettes Found in Baggage
Upon detailed examination, foreign-origin cigarettes were found concealed in their luggage. The recovered goods included 280 boxes (56,000 sticks) of the Mond brand and 286 boxes (57,200 sticks) of the Gudang Garam brand.
Legal Action Under Customs Act
The officials confirmed that the cigarettes have been seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Further investigation is underway to determine the intended recipients and any larger smuggling network.
