The Chennai Air Customs has seized 4.15 kg gold worth over Rs 2.17 crore at the Chennai airport and arrested seven people after busting a smuggling racket, in which the passengers were found to have swallowed capsules of gold paste wrapped with polythene/rubber cover.
In a press release on Sunday, the Chennai Customs revealed that the passengers were intercepted at the exit by Air Intelligence Unit officers on suspicion of carrying gold after they had arrived from Dubai and Sharjah on January 22.
On questioning, the accused admitted to concealing gold paste capsules in the stomach and rectum. They informed that they had swallowed gold paste capsules before departure.
After a formal request to recover the capsules, the smugglers were admitted to Stanley Government hospital to recover the capsules under expert medical supervision. The customs said that it took eight days for the process to complete.
"Total 4.15 kilograms of gold valued at Rs 2.17 crore were seized under Customs Act from eight passengers. Seven arrested," the release said.
A total of 161 capsules weighing 2.88 kg and valued at Rs 1.28 crore were recovered from the stomach of all 8 passengers, the Customs department said.
"Further, 8 bundles containing 61 capsules weighing 18 kg gold and valued at Rs 51.36 lakhs were also recovered. In addition, 3 gold chains, 8 gold bits, 8 gold rings, 2 bundles of gold paste totally valued at Rs 30.64 lakhs were recovered from handbags and pant pockets," the release said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
"Might Be Someone From RCB": CSK Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad Trolls IPL Rivals During Live Event "R Ashwin Not Treated Fairly, Rohit Sharma Said...": Ex CSK Star Makes Bold Claim Man Dies As Car Plunges Into Sea While Reversing At Chennai Port Parents On Mumbai Ferry Wanted To Toss Children In Sea. Rescuers Stopped Them Devendra Fadnavis Keeps Home, Eknath Shinde Gets 3 Maharashtra Ministries 7 Indians Injured In Christmas Market Attack In Germany: Sources Himachal Invokes Kyoto Protocol To Demand GST Compensation From Centre Delayed Exams, Holiday: Students Behind Threats To 3 Delhi Schools, Say Cops 81 Arrested For Allegedly Betting On Dog Fights At Farm House In Rajasthan Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.