DRI detects new method of gold smuggling at MIA

DRI detects new method of gold smuggling at MIA

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, May 31, 2014: A passenger at Bajpe airport Mangalore, Sameer Mohammed, a resident of Kasargod, arrived at the airport by Air India Express flight from Dubai at around 10 pm on May 30.

 

 

Officials of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Mangalore branch  caught the passenger while actually placing gold bars in a dustbin at Mangalore International Airport (MIA). The officials also seized two gold bars, each weighing one kg, altogether worth Rs 50.96 lac.

Sameer, it is said had brought the gold bars wrapped in papers; before going through security check, he went to the toilet of the airport and placed the package in the dustbin. The DRI officials, who had been tipped in advance about the mode of smuggling were watching and caught this man red-handed.

 Sameer stated  he was told  by the person who gave him the gold, whose identity was not known to him to place the gold bars in the dustbin in a specific spot, from where it would be collected. He  did not know who was supposed to collect the package he maintained.

The officials are not ruling out the possibility of the involvement of airport staff, as it happened in the premises. It is the first time such a case has been detected at Mangalore airport.  Sameer was arrested and further investigations are on.