As many as 30 passengers, who were detained at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport for allegedly smuggling gold, have managed to escape.
One of the passengers pretended to be sick and created chaos at the airport. According to the PTI news agency, customs and police officials have started searching for the passengers.
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On Monday, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Customs Department stopped 36 passengers at Lucknow’s airport, traveling from Sharjah. During the frisking, the customs officials seized cigarettes worth over ₹3 crore and cash worth ₹23.90 lakh. Besides, six passengers said they also had gold with them.
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The next day, when the officials interrogated the passengers, one of them pretended to be ill and created chaos. Taking advantage of the situation, all the passengers fled, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Shashank Singh told PTI news agency.
The police have registered a case under relevant sections, and efforts are being made to arrest the accused.
Separately, Mumbai Customs have seized over 2.52 kg of gold valued at ₹1.46 crores in five separate cases since March 31.
The smuggled gold was found concealed in clothes worn, on the body of the passenger, and on the underside of a baggage trolley.
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In March this year, foreign currency and items worth ₹10.60 crore were seized across eight different cases at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
“On March 20-22, Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs seized foreign currencies valued at 5.36 crores, diamonds valued at 3.75 crores, and gold valued at ₹1.49 crores, together valued at 10.60 crores across 8 cases,” said Mumbai Customs in March.
“The above goods were concealed in check-in bags, handbags, clothes worn, and body cavities,” it added.
Published: 04 Apr 2024, 08:18 AM IST
#### Additional Insight
### Increased Instances of Gold Smuggling
The escape of 30 passengers involved in gold smuggling highlights a concerning trend of increased gold smuggling activities at airports. This incident sheds light on the challenges faced by authorities in curbing such illegal activities and underscores the need for more stringent security measures.
### Evolving Tactics of Smugglers
The case where a passenger pretended to be sick to create chaos and facilitate the escape of all passengers signifies the evolving tactics employed by smugglers to evade authorities. This clever ploy showcases the creativity and determination of individuals involved in illegal activities and poses a significant challenge to law enforcement agencies.
### Mumbai Customs’ Vigilance
The seizures conducted by Mumbai Customs, uncovering smuggled gold hidden in various ways, demonstrate the vigilance and proactive measures taken by authorities to combat smuggling activities. These efforts are essential in safeguarding the economic integrity of the country and deterring individuals from engaging in unlawful practices.
### Future Challenges and Solutions
As experts predict a surge in gold prices in the coming years, coupled with the evolving tactics of smugglers, authorities face an uphill battle in preventing such illicit activities. It is crucial for law enforcement agencies to continuously adapt their strategies and enhance security protocols to effectively combat the ever-changing landscape of gold smuggling.
