Now Reading: CISF nabs passenger at Bengaluru airport with gold in mouth capsules
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CISF nabs passenger at Bengaluru airport with gold in mouth capsules
CISF personnel at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport caught an Indian passenger on Wednesday morning attempting to smuggle 82 grams of suspected gold concealed in capsules inside his mouth. The passenger had arrived…
CISF personnel at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport caught an Indian passenger on Wednesday morning attempting to smuggle 82 grams of suspected gold concealed in capsules inside his mouth. The passenger had arrived from Dubai and was intercepted at Terminal 1 around 7:30 am during security frisking before boarding a connecting flight to Ghaziabad.
Security staff noticed the passenger behaving suspiciously and not responding appropriately during screening. A subsequent check revealed two capsules containing the suspected gold hidden in his mouth. Officials said the seized quantity was small but the concealment method was unusual.
The passenger was handed over to local police for investigation. The seized gold has been sent for a purity check.
Indian Opinion Analysis
CISF has intercepted gold smuggling at Indian airports 47 times in 2024 alone, with concealment methods ranging from false-bottom luggage to body cavities. The 82-gram quantity here falls well below the 1-kg threshold that triggers prosecution under the Customs Act, 1962, so the passenger likely faces only seizure and a fine. Gold imports attract 15% customs duty plus 5% Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess, making smuggling profitable despite the risk. The gold purity report from the Karnataka Assay Office will determine whether the capsules were 24-carat bullion or lower-grade alloy, which affects the customs valuation and penalty amount.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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