In a massive crackdown, Mumbai Customs intercepted 18 passengers, including 14 Kenyan nationals, attempting to smuggle gold and diamonds worth ₹9.12 crore at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The dramatic bust took place over Tuesday and Wednesday, exposing a sophisticated smuggling operation.
Diamonds Hidden Inside a Laptop
The smuggling bid was first uncovered when CISF officers, during a routine frisking and scanning process, detected suspicious objects inside a passenger’s laptop. The individual was flying to Bangkok from Mumbai when security personnel handed him over to the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU). Upon thorough examination, officials found 2147.20 carats of high-value diamonds concealed inside the device, estimated to be worth ₹4.93 crore. The passenger was immediately arrested under the Customs Act.
Gold Smugglers from Dubai Busted
The next day, three passengers arriving from Dubai were stopped after Customs officials discovered 775 grams of crude gold cleverly hidden in belt buckles and trolley bags. The gold, rhodium-plated and shaped into rings and buttons, was valued at ₹61.45 lakh. The perpetrators were taken into custody, with authorities suspecting links to a larger smuggling network.
Mumbai Customs Tightens Security
With 5.92 kg of gold and diamonds seized in just two days, this high-profile interception highlights Mumbai Airport’s growing status as a hotspot for gold and diamond smuggling. Officials believe that the detained individuals were part of a well-organized syndicate using innovative concealment techniques to evade detection.
Crackdown on Smuggling Intensifies
Customs authorities have launched a deeper investigation, suspecting international smuggling rings orchestrating these operations. With increased vigilance and advanced scanning procedures, Mumbai Customs has reaffirmed its commitment to curbing illegal gold and diamond trafficking.
