Kochi: The Customs arrested cabin crew of Air India Express flight for allegedly smuggling over 1.4 kg gold through Cochin International Airport near here, official sources said on Thursday. The crew of Bahrain-Kozhikode-Kochi Air India Express flight was apprehended by the Customs sleuths after the seizure.
The customs on Wednesday recovered the gold that was wrapped around the hands of the crew.
Air India Express said the arrested crew has been placed on suspension with immediate effect.
The airline said it has zero tolerance for such behaviour and will be taking stern action against the individual including termination of service following receipt of the report from the investigative authorities.
Meanwhile, the Customs Officials on Sunday said that they seized around four kg gold bars worth Rs 1,95,72,400 after searching an aircraft at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in New Delhi following a tip-off.
"On the basis of an input received and further developed by Customs officers at IGI Airport, an aircraft utilized for international flight was rummaged on completion of its subsequent domestic trips at Terminal 2 of IGI, New Delhi. It led to the recovery of gold worth Rs 1,95,72,400," the official said.
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The official further said that during the search they recovered a grey colour pouch found affixed with adhesive tape below the sink installed in the washroom.
"The grey colour pouch was containing four rectangular gold bars total weighing 4,000 gms. Total tariff value appraised of the four rectangular bars of gold comes to Rs 1,95,72,400," the official said.
The official said that the gold recovered along with its packing material has been seized under Section 110 of the Customs Act.
(With agency inputs)