Mumbai: Air passenger held for bid to smuggle Rs 95 lakh worth gold

The gold was wrapped with black coloured adhesive tape and were kept in a ‘Jim Beam’ liquor tin box purchased in a duty free shop.

The Air Intelligence Unit of the Mumbai Customs on Wednesday arrested a person for allegedly trying to smuggle three kilograms of gold worth Rs 95 lakh, officials said.

The Air Intelligence Unit of the Mumbai Customs arrested the person in Mumbai on Wednesday. (PTI File Photo)

The passenger, identified as Vipul Nathubhai, a resident of Surat in Gujarat, who arrived from Dubai, was intercepted on suspicion, an official said.

“Examination of his baggage resulted in the recovery of 27 gold bars of 10 tolas each, collectively weighing 3.132 kgs and valued at Rs 95 lakh,” the official said.

The gold was wrapped with black coloured adhesive tape and were kept in a ‘Jim Beam’ liquor tin box purchased in a duty free shop, he said.

According to the official, Vipul is into the business of diamonds brokerage in Surat and acted as a carrier to smuggle the gold for monetary consideration.