Officials of the Customs Air Intelligence Unit seized 1.2 kg of gold smuggled in kids’ footwear, keychains and bread toaster in three separate cases at the Tiruchi International Airport on Thursday.
While two passengers from whom smuggled gold was confiscated hailed from Chennai, the other traveller was from Thoothukudi.
Airport sources said the Air Intelligence Unit officials on suspicion detained Abdul Azar of Thoothukudi after he arrived here from Sharjah by an Air India Express flight.
The officials detected 550 grams of gold of 24 carat purity concealed in keychains, children’s shoes and footwear, besides inside a purse. The consignment valued at ₹16 lakh was seized.
In another case, the officials seized 550 grams of gold of 24 carat purity concealed in keychains, kids’ shoes and footwear and purse valued at ₹16 lakh from Mohamed Hanifa of Chennai upon arrival from Sharjah.
The officials seized 160 grams of gold pieces worth ₹ 4.78 lakh from Abdul Haris of Chennai after he arrived here from Kuala Lumpur by an Air Asia flight.
Gold was found concealed in bread toaster and in the bottom of the stroll bag. Separate cases were booked against the trio, said the sources.