Significant Gold Confiscation at Nagpur Airport Amid Ganpati Festival

Nagpur Airport, specifically the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Sonegaon, once again garnered attention as the Customs Department accomplished a noteworthy feat. In a carefully planned operation conducted at the outset of the 10-day Ganpati Festival, the Customs Department effectively seized a substantial amount of illegally smuggled gold. This confiscation represents one of the most significant in the Nagpur Airport’s history, consisting of pure gold valued at approximately Rs 87.14 lakh.

AIU Surveillance Leads to Seizure of Gold-Concealing Passengers on Qatar Airways

In response to reliable intelligence, a watchful team from the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) positioned at the airport conducted a thorough inspection of two passengers who arrived via Qatar Airways during the early hours of Tuesday. These travelers, both holding Indian passports and originating from Hubli, Karnataka, had journeyed from Qatar on Qatar Airways Flight QR-590 on September 18 with the intention of surreptitiously transporting gold disguised as a paste.

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‘Gold Smugglers’ Concealed Cargo Uncovered by AIU’s Precise Screening

In an effort to avoid detection, the pair discreetly stashed the gold within their luggage. Nevertheless, the AIU team, armed with precise intelligence, subjected their bags to a comprehensive scan, successfully revealing the concealed cargo. According to an official statement from the Customs Department, this operation resulted in the discovery of a total of 1697 grams of 24-carat pure gold, with value of Rs 87.14 lakh. The two passengers had attempted to smuggle the gold into India in order to evade customs duties. Further inquiries are presently underway in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

Dedicated Teams’ Successful Execution of Operation Under Customs Leadership

The committed squads from Nagpur Customs’ Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) and Air Customs Unit (ACU) executed the mission effectively. Superintendent Tridip Pal and Inspector Prabal Kumar led the operation.They were operating under the direction of Assistant Commissioners V Suresh Babu (ACU) and V Lakshmi Narayana (AIU). The entire operation was conducted under Commissioner of Customs Avinash Thete and was overseen by Additional Commissioner Peeyoush Bhati.

Gold Confiscation Hub at Nagpur’s Airport Rising Role in Middle East Gold Trade

Remarkably, Sonegaon Airport has recently emerged as a hub for gold smuggling operations originating in the Middle East. In the past, multiple gold confiscations were associated with Air Arabia flights arriving from Sharjah. This latest occurrence represents the initial attempt by smugglers to elude authorities by utilizing a Qatar Airways flight. Nevertheless, the Customs Department’s strong intelligence network effectively foiled the smugglers’ carefully devised strategies.

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