56 passengers caught with gold at Visakhapatnam airport

As many as 56 passengers were caught while allegedly attempting to smuggle 63 kgs of gold worth Rs 16.83 crore at Visakhapatnam airport in a single day, with the DRI officials today saying that legal action under Customs Act has been initiated against them.

On the night of June 21, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence officials seized 63 kg of gold which passengers who arrived by three flights from Singapore and Malaysia had attempted to smuggle in the country.

"The total quantity of such gold smuggled by this modus operandi amounted to 63 kg and its value is about Rs 16.85 crore. The entire quantity of smuggled gold was seized, as it was brought in an illegal manner in violation of provisions of Customs Act, 1962 and Baggage Rules, 1998," a DRI release said here.

All 56 passengers were subjected to detailed examination under terms of legal provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 for having indulged in smuggling activity for "monetary consideration".

"Necessary legal action under Customs Act, 1962 for offences committed in smuggling of gold has been contemplated and further investigation is on", it said.

DRI had formed special teams consisting DRI, Chennai, DRI Vishakapatnam and from Customs Commissionerate of Vishakapatnam for the seizure.

Gold of various shapes resembling magnets in amplifiers, stand of speakers, central pulley of washing machine, have been used to conceal the smuggled gold, the release said.