CISF seize gold paste worth Rs 1.3 crore at Mumbai airport

Officials reported that the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) effectively stopped and arrested two passengers. They were trying to illicitly transport about 2.5 kilograms of gold paste. The value estimated was of approximately Rs 1.3 crore.

The incident occurred in the early hours of September 12, 2023, when CISF surveillance and intelligence staff at Terminal-2, CSMI Airport, Mumbai, noticed suspicious behavior from a passenger near the glass partition between domestic boarding gate No. 86 and 87 on Level 3. The passenger was placed under both electronic and physical surveillance, they said.

During the course of surveillance, a black pouch was observed being thrown from the glass partition situated at International boarding gate No. 86 on Level 4. This prompted further investigation, an official said.

Gold Paste Smuggling Detected: Suspect Passenger Associated with Earlier Incident

Subsequently, the CISF team detected suspicious activities from another passenger. The passenger identified as Shajitha Begum, who appeared to be associated with the first passenger. The individuals were later identified as Jalal Y Jalaludeen and Shajitha Begum. Both are Indian citizens, who were scheduled to travel on Air India Flight No. AI609 bound for Coimbatore, he added.

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Both passengers were immediately intercepted, and their hand baggage was subjected to further scrutiny in the Customs office. A joint interrogation was conducted by CISF and Customs officials. It had led to the discovery of six oval-shaped yellow metal (gold) parcels wrapped in black tape within the handbags of both passengers.

Passengers Admit to Ownership, Cite International Handoff

Jalal Y Jalaludeen and Shajitha Begum admitted ownership of the gold paste. They revealed that it had been handed to them by an international passenger who had discreetly thrown it over the glass partition separating the Domestic and International boarding gates.

The seized gold paste, weighing approximately 2.5 kilograms and valued at around Rs 1.3 crore, was handed over to the Airport Intelligence Unit (AIU) and Customs officials for further legal action.

This operation underscores the alertness and commitment of both CISF and Customs personnel in thwarting unlawful activities at the airport. This act was in the interest to safeguarding the nation’s interests, and maintaining legal standards. Ongoing inquiries continue to explore the situation.

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