Gold found hidden in lavatory of SpiceJet Dubai-Kochi flight

The chief of crew of a SpiceJet flight from Dubai found one kg of gold hidden in the lavatory after the plane landed at Kochi Airport on Tuesday. The customs authorities have detained a passenger, who is suspected to be a courier, in this connection, sources said.

The crew chief found the behaviour of a passenger who used the lavatory frequently during the flight odd and hence checked the lavatory, sources said. "A detailed check revealed that gold bars were wrapped in newspapers and stuck behind the tissue box holder in the lavatory," they said. During the flight, the crew heard noises of the compartment being opened and closed in the lavatory when the particular individual was inside, they added.

According to the sources, the individual passenger's behaviour was suspicious, both during the journey and after landing at the airport.

The gold was recovered from the SpiceJet's SG-18 Dubai-Kochi flight after it landed at the Kochi International Airport.

The matter has been reported to the customs officials and the gold bars have been handed over to them.