Chennai Air Customs seize Gold Beads worth Rs. 22.5 lakhs concealed in ‘Metal Die’.New modus discovered:
Based on specific intelligence a parcel arriving from Sharjah consigned to Thane based person, was detained by Courier Intelligence officers, at Chennai courier terminal.In AWB item was declared as Metal Die wt. 12.7 kg. On examination parcel was found to contain 2 pieces of metal die(one unit) joined together. The die was of solid iron & even scan was not conclusive. The die was taken to a welder who cut them with a metal cutting circular saw. On cut opening one piece was of solid iron but in 2nd piece there was a hollow core which was ingeniously carved. There was a small hole 5 mm on outerside of die through which the gold beads were filled in the die. This hole was later welded and painted black.
521 grams of gold beads valued at ₹ 22.5 lakhs mixed with moong dal was recovered and seized under Custom Act.
Thane based consignee has been arrested. License of Courier company concerned with clearance has been suspended for violation of provisions of Courier Import &Export(Clearance) Regulations 1998 till further inquiry.