In a major breakthroughbased on information that gold was likely to be smuggled  by a group of passengers arriving from Dubai special alert was maintained at Chennai Airport to nab the smugglers. Eight passengers who arrived from Dubai by Emirates flight EK 544 were intercepted at the exit  when they tried to pass in a hurry. On questioning they became nervous and gave evasive replies. Their personal search as well as search of their baggage was carried out. On personal search gold paste in plastic pouches was found concealed in their Jeans  as well  as  underwears. Total 9 kg gold of 24k purity valued at Rs 4.5 crore was recovered from the gold paste after extraction and same seized under Customs Act.  All eight  arrested.

Further investigation is under progress.       

This is stated in a press release issued by the Commissioner of Customs, Chennai International Airport.

************** 

(Release ID: 1720705) Visitor Counter : 60