Air India Passenger Refuses Refreshments on Flight, Arrested at Delhi Airport for Smuggling Gold Worth INR 69 Lakh
An Air India passenger was arrested at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport for smuggling gold worth INR 69 lakh. The arrest occurred after the passenger refused all refreshments during the five-and-a-half-hour flight, including water, food, and drinks offered by the flight attendant during flight AI 992 from Jeddah to Delhi.
New Delhi, July 17: An Air India passenger was arrested at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport for smuggling gold worth INR 69 lakh. The arrest occurred after the passenger's unusual behavior during flight AI 992 from Jeddah to Delhi raised suspicions.
According to a News18 report, the man repeatedly refused all refreshments during the five-and-a-half-hour flight, including water, food, and drinks offered by the flight attendant. This unusual behavior prompted the flight attendant to alert the captain, who then informed security agencies via Air Traffic Control.
Upon the flight’s arrival in Delhi, security personnel closely monitored the suspect as he attempted to pass through the Green Customs Clearance Channel. He was stopped for questioning and subsequently admitted to concealing gold in his rectum.
Joint Commissioner (Customs) Monika Yadav confirmed that approximately 1,096.76 grams of gold paste, valued at over INR 69 lakh, was recovered from the man, concealed in four oval capsules. The passenger was arrested under relevant sections of the Customs Act, and an investigation has been launched into the incident.
In response to this case, cabin crew have been instructed to pay close attention to passengers who refuse all food and drinks on long flights, as this behavior could indicate smuggling attempts. This incident is part of a broader pattern of gold smuggling attempts intercepted by Indian authorities.
Earlier this year, a souvenir shop at Chennai airport was exposed as a front for a Sri Lankan gold smuggling syndicate. The shop’s owner, YouTuber Mohammed Sabir Ali, was recruited to help smuggle 267 kg of gold worth INR 167 crore over two months. He was arrested for his role in the operation.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2024 09:40 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).