Gold smugglers now prefer Europe over Gulf countries: Customs

Gold smugglers are now shifting their focus to European nations from traditional Gulf countries, a preferred route for illegal ferrying of the yellow metal, to avoid suspicion of Indian customs authorities, officials said.

Recent cases of gold seizure show that smugglers are opting for the European route and newer modus operandi, 

they said. There is a strict vigil on the passengers coming from Gulf countries to check any attempt of gold smuggling. However, flights coming from European countries do not see such strict checks.

“There are cases of gold smuggling involving passengers coming from European sector. It means that the smugglers are now