Gold worth Rs 47 lac seized at MIA; airport staffer, pssngr held

Mangaluru: A Kerala native was arrested at the Mangaluru International Airport, on September 20 for attempting to smuggle gold into the country in connivance with one of the airport staffers.

The arrested person has been identified as Nizar Khadar Mulleria (32), from Kasargod. Gold worth Rs 47 lac found in his possession was seized by the officials under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

Acting on credible information that an international passenger arriving by a Spicejet Flight, from Dubai to Mangaluru, would attempt to smuggle gold into the country in connivance with one of the staff of Mangaluru International Airport, the officers of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, regional unit, Mangaluru identified and intercepted the passenger at the aircraft door. Nizar was escorted to the customs arrival area and was subjected to thorough checking.

On checking a mobile cover (pouch) in his bag, it was found that 12 tola bars of gold of foreign origin (intact) and 1 sheet of gold of foreign origin were cleverly concealed inside by using black and silver adhesive tapes in order to avoid detection. The said gold weighed 1515.270 grams in total and were found to be of 24 karat purity. 

Further, working on the Intelligence, one official working at the Mangaluru International Airport was also rounded up for interrogation and crucial evidences regarding abetment of smuggling of contraband gold were recovered. The search of the official’s residence led to recovery and seizure of Rs 25 lac in cash which was purportedly received for abetting the illegal activity. The said officer was also arrested under the provisions of Customs Act, 1962. 

Further investigation in the matter is under progress, stated a release from DRI Assistant Director Shreyas KM.