The Chennai Air Customs has got hold of 4.15 kg gold worth over Rs 2.17 crore at the airport and 7 have been arrested after a smuggling racket was busted. The smugglers had swallowed capsules in polythene or rubber bags, as per a report in ANI.??
In its official media release, the Chennai Customs said the passengers were caught by Air Intelligence Unit officers when they landed from Dubai and Sharjah on January 22.
They confessed to concealing gold paste capsules in the stomach and rectum.?
The smugglers were admitted to Stanley Government hospital to recover the capsules under expert medical supervision.?
"Total 4.15 kilograms of gold valued at Rs 2.17 crore were seized under Customs Act from eight passengers. Seven arrested," the release said.?
161 capsules weighing 2.88 kg and valued at Rs 1.28 crore were recovered from the stomach of all 8 passengers, said the Customs department.?
"Further, 8 bundles containing 61 capsules weighing 18 kg gold and valued at Rs 51.36 lakhs were also recovered. In addition, 3 gold chains, 8 gold bits, 8 gold rings, 2 bundles of gold paste totally valued at Rs 30.64 lakhs were recovered from handbags and pant pockets," said the release.?
Swallowing is a common method to hide gold but it can be easily detected and nowadays does not ensure a clean getaway for the smugglers. ??