Customs officials at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) have seized gold worth over Rs76 crore this year so far and have arrested about 100 people in this connection. Officials said that during 2014-15, a total of 230 people were arrested by customs officials in 388 cases of gold smuggling. About 596 kg of gold worth Rs155 crore was seized in these cases, officials said. Whereas, in 2013-14, about 363 cases were registered in which 353 kgs gold worth Rs92 crore was seized. A total of 123 people were arrested for smuggling.
During April and August this year, the customs officials have arrested 100 people and registered 169 cases. As much as 293 kgs of gold valuing Rs76 crore was seized in these cases.
“The customs officials are maintaining a strict vigil. They are keeping a close watch on flights coming from West Asia and other sectors to check smuggling,” said Vinayak Azaad, Additional Commissioner of customs at the airport.
Smugglers have been found following different modus operandi including use of newly-wed couples and airport staff as carriers to avoid suspicion while smuggling gold, officials said.
A couple from Gujarat was recently arrested at the IGIA with 1.5 kg of gold jewellery which they were trying to smuggle in on return for flight tickets for a foreign nation where the yellow metal comes cheap, besides Rs20,000 each.
Besides, the customs officials have arrested few ground handling staff and airlines crew for their alleged involvement in gold smuggling.