Mumbai:
The Airport Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Mumbai Airport today arrested two passengers, in two different operations, on their arrival here from Dubai and seized over 25 kg gold worth Rs 6.5 crore.
This is the highest seizure of smuggled gold from the airport in a day, claimed Milind Lanjewar, Additional Commissioner, AIU.
In the first case, Mohammed Aboobacker arrived from Dubai via Muscat and was intercepted with 13 gold bars of one kg each and two gold bars of 10 'tolas' (100 gms) each, worth Rs 3.39 crore.
In the second case, the sleuths apprehended passenger Mavin Keezhil Aslam, who arrived from Dubai, and seized 12 gold bars of one kg each and 2 gold bars of 10 tolas each, valued at 3.14 crore.
"Our investigations show that they used similar modus operandi and they were working at the behest of the same person in Dubai," Lanjewar said.
According to officials, the two passengers were carrying the yellow metal in their bags and in their pockets and to avoid Customs net they had worn an identity card on their neck.
"They pretended as if they were some airport staff, however, after crossing the Customs counter when one of the sleuths called them, their faces turned blank and we grew suspicious and checked their belongings," said an official.
Customs officials also said that the identity cards they were wearing turned out to be their driving licenses.
"We are investigating and finding out as to who was the intended recipient," said a source.
Both the passengers were subsequently arrested, Lanjewar said.