Gold worth 11.67 lakh seized at airport

Visakhapatnam: Officials of customs department seized 376.5 gms of gold worth Rs 11.67 lakh from a passenger, who arrived at the airport from Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia, here on Friday.

Passenger Palli Srinivasa Rao arrived from Kuala Lumpur to Visakhapatnam in Air Asia flight (AK83).  Rao was intercepted by the customs officials at the exit while he was passing through the green channel. On enquiry, Rao claimed that he was not carrying dutiable goods.

Suspecting his revelation, the customs officials checked the baggage of Rao and found gold. The officials recovered two gold strips that were fastened to the metallic frame inside the suitcase. 

This apart, the passenger was in possession of a gold bracelet weighing about 21.5 grams. The customs officials said that the total gold seized weighed around 376.5 gms and further investigation is on.

The Commissioner of Customs said that on February 20, one passenger Manthadathil Abdurahiman arrived from Kuala Lumpur and he was caught by them while he was smuggling the gold weighing 250 grams, concealed in the cavities of one battery of a rechargeable light.  

Meanwhile, the sources said that Visakhapatnam Airport, which has been operating hardly three international flights, reporting many gold smuggling cases.