Couple held for smuggling goods from Singapore

The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Mumbai Customs arrested a man and a woman while they were trying to smuggle Rs40 lakh worth hi-definition video cameras, iphones and laptops from Singapore.

The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Mumbai Customs arrested a man and a woman while they were trying to smuggle Rs40 lakh worth hi-definition video cameras, iphones and laptops from Singapore.

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Mitesh Kothari, 51, specially flew Bhavna Bhanushali, 30, from Mumbai to Singapore so that he could keep major part of the consignment in her baggage on return, thinking that being a woman she would not be stopped easily and he could move out with a small quantity of goods.

However, they were stopped by an AIU team headed by deputy commissioner of Customs Sameer Wankhede, while trying to cross the green channel. The officials found four HD video cameras of Sony and Panasonic brands besides five iphones and laptops in their baggage.

The value of the consignment in Bhanushali's baggage was Rs24 lakh while that in Kothari's baggage was worth Rs16 lakh.

Commissioner of Customs, Airport, PM Saleem confirmed the incident. Sources in Customs said Kothari told authorities that he gave Bhanushali free return tickets and Rs5,000 to travel to Singapore with him last week. He told authorities that both of them stayed at Ghatkopar.

Officials found that Kothari, who deals in electronic goods, had made around 10 trips abroad this year and are investigating if any of the trips were for smuggling purposes.

The duo, arrested on Monday, were produced before a magistrate's court on the same day and released on bail of Rs50,000 each.