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The vigilance department of the airline has already been informed about it and further investigation is underway in the case, said the investigating officials.

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Confiscated gold biscuits
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A senior pilot attached with national carrier Air India was held by Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Airport customs for alleged involvement in smuggling gold worth over Rs15.65 lakh.

The vigilance department of the airline has already been informed about it and further investigation is underway in the case, said the investigating officials.

The accused identified as Vijay Pratap was held after he landed from flight AI 932 (Jeddah-Mumbai) early morning, on Wednesday. Pratap, with over two decades of flying experience was reportedly concealing the gold inside his checked-in luggage and hand baggage. "In the light of the recent instances of smuggling by crew members of the airlines, high level of surveillance has been installed by airport customs staff for the crew and passengers," said AK Jyotishi, principal commissioner of customs, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA).

The investigators claim that the investigation is on to find whether the accused, who monthly draws a high salary of over Rs5.5 lakh has been involved in similar offences earlier. "It is part of the investigation as we will be calling for records from the airlines about the days on which he flew in the past," said a senior AIU official.

The accused has been booked under section 108 of the Customs Act, 1962

According to AIU officials, in the past couple of years, investigation has led to over two dozen cases, in which the assistance of airline/airport insiders have been held at the airport. DRI and AIU officials claim that it becomes easier for airline/airport staffers to indulge in the syndicate as they have easier access to areas inside the airport and are least likely to be doubted. The authorities had several times in the past written to airlines to be strict and increase surveillance on their staff.

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