Alert customs officials at the Kempegowda International Airport foiled an attempt to smuggle gold and recovered gold weighing 2.8 kg worth Rs 87,69,600 hidden in a trash can in a restroom in the international departure area.
The gold was seized when the customs officials were checking for the exchange of smuggled items between international and domestic passengers. While one team rummages the plane, under the seats and toilets, another team checks the international departure hold area including toilets and eateries where passengers could possibly exchange the smuggled goods. The officials also keep a tab on certain passengers who are profiled and are possible suspects.
During one such rummaging operation in a washroom, the Customs officials found a black polyurethane cover hidden in the inside cover of the waste bin.
The inner layer of the polyurethane cover contained some items covered with black insulation tape. The tape was of the same colour as the polyurethane to camouflage its contents.
On opening the insulation covers, officials found six items covered with black insulation tape. On further examination, it was found to contain five crude gold chains and one gold kada.
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