The officers of the Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone–III, detected multiple smuggling cases during the period between May 1 and May 2, 2026. Acting on spot profiling and Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) inputs, officials intercepted passengers arriving from Dubai and recovered contraband goods, including high-value electronics, cosmetics, cigarettes, and gold.
In two separate cases involving passengers arriving on an Emirates flight (EK-502) from Dubai, customs officers recovered electronic items, cosmetic products, and large quantities of cigarettes collectively valued at ₹84.37 lakh. The seizures were made following targeted profiling and subsequent detailed examination of passenger baggage.
In a notable modus operandi, officers discovered eight brown tape-wrapped packets concealed inside the commodes of both rear lavatories of the aircraft. The recovery highlights the increasingly sophisticated concealment techniques being employed by smugglers to evade detection.
In another case, customs officials seized 695 grams of 24KT crude gold valued at ₹95.32 lakh from a passenger who had arrived from Dubai via a SpiceJet flight (OSG-5114). The gold was cleverly disguised in black-coloured plating to avoid suspicion.
The passenger was subsequently arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the broader smuggling network and possible accomplices.
Read More: JURISHOUR | TAX LAW DAILY BULLETIN : MAY 2, 2026
