VISHAKHAPATNAM: In biggest ever catch, the officials of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence on Monday busted a major smuggling operation and seized over 40 kg gold being smuggled from Dubai in three international flights which arrived in Visakhapatnam international airport in the morning.
Assisted by the customs department, the officials are questioning over 50 people in connection with the smuggling racket. Preliminary information from the airport authorities indicated that more than 50 persons arrived in three flights from Singapore and Malaysia along with their luggage.
On specific information, the authorities of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence along with the local Customs officials intercepted the passengers who were waiting to collect their luggage upon their arrival at the airport.
While it is yet to be ascertained the method adopted by the passengers to smuggle the gold, sources said that the gold was disguised and also stuffed inside various household articles ranging from electronic appliances to cellphones. The officials are yet to reach a conclusion over the modus operandi and are questioning the detained passengers.
Assistant commissioner of customs (preventives) SK Dutta confirmed to The New Indian Express that a raid was conducted and majority of over 50 passengers were all Tamilians. A detailed statement is expected to be released in the evening.
