Weed worth Rs 24.6 crore, diamonds and foreign currency seized at airport; 4 held
According to the officials, the air intelligence unit intercepted two passengers arriving from Bangkok on Wednesday and an examination of their luggage revealed 24.96 kilograms of hydroponic weed worth Rs 24.66 crore in the illicit market. The narcotics was smuggled from Thailand concealed in vacuum-sealed packages, they said.
The intended receiver, who was waiting to collect the consignment near the airport gate, was also arrested. An official said that preliminary investigations suggest the involvement of an international drug trafficking syndicate, with further investigation underway.
In an operation on Tuesday, Customs officials intercepted an Indian national who was flying to Dubai from Mumbai airport on the basis of specific intelligence. On examination of baggage and personal search of the passenger, officials recovered Saudi Riyal equivalent to Rs 11,15,000, lab-grown diamonds weighing 406.90 carats worth over Rs 47 lakh and natural diamonds weighing 245.30 carats valued at Rs 1.23 crore.
The foreign currency was found concealed in a sling bag of the passenger, while diamonds were concealed in three pouches in the body cavity of the passenger. Further investigation is underway, an official added.
When taking diamonds to another country, the same has to be declared to the Customs of both countries and a certain duty has to be paid.
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