Diamonds Hidden In Noodle Packets, Gold In Undergarments: Mumbai Airport's Rs 6Cr Weekend Smuggling Crackdown

Smuggling remains a major concern at international transit points, and reports of such seizures routinely emerge from some of the busiest airports in India.

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Source : getty

New Delhi: The customs department at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport reportedly seized diamonds and gold worth Rs 6.46 crore —  the former hidden inside noodle packets — over the weekend. According to a press release issued late Monday night, four individuals were arrested following the seizure of over 6.815 kg of gold valued at Rs 4.44 crore and diamonds worth Rs 2.02 crore.

The diamonds concealed in noodle packets were found in the luggage of an Indian national bound for Bangkok, PTI quoted an official as saying.

As per reports, a foreign national travelling from Colombo to Mumbai was apprehended after authorities discovered gold bars and a cut piece concealed in her undergarments. Ten Indian nationals — including two each from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and one each from Bahrain, Doha, Riyadh, Muscat, Bangkok, and Singapore — were found carrying 6.199 kg of gold, valued at Rs 4.04 crore, concealed in various ways, including in the rectum, on the body, and inside baggage. 

Three individuals were arrested in connection with these discoveries, the release said, without providing further details.

Mumbai Customs said in a post on X that, between 15 and 18 April, they seized over 9.482 kg gold valued at Rs. 5.71 crore. Eight passengers were arrested, the department said, adding that the gold was found concealed in their rectum, among other places. 

During 15-18 April, 2024, Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone-III seized over 9.482 Kg Gold valued @ Rs. 5.71 Cr across 14 cases. Gold was found concealed in rectum, on body, in hand bag and cavities in undergarments of pax. Eight Pax were arrested. pic.twitter.com/6Wn2cFYoM4

— Mumbai Customs-III (@mumbaicus3) April 19, 2024

Smuggling remains a major concern at international transit points, and reports of such seizures routinely emerge from some of the busiest airports in India.