Busting a novel method to smuggle gold, Customs officers at the airport here today arrested a 29-year old man for allegedly possessing powdered form of the precious metal weighing 640 grams worth about Rs 19 lakh from him.
Abdul Nasar from Kannur was intercepted at the exit gate of the arrival hall and a detailed examination of his baggage led to the recovery of five packets of Kenton Chocolate Sauce Pre-mix kept concealed.
The packets were in factory sealed condition. On detailed examination, they were found to contain brown coloured particles and powder. This was found to be gold of 24 carat purity in powdered form.
The gold powder totally weighing 640.80 grams and valued at Rs. 19.19 lakh was seized. The passenger was arrested under Customs Act, 1962. Further investigation is in progress.
With the officials cracking down on smuggling of gold which has been on a steep rise after the hike in import duty, the operators are devising new methods to bring in the much-sought after metal illegally. Besides hiding the gold in their person, some had even attempted to smuggle it in liquid form.
