30kg of gold seized in Kerala, was addressed to a consulate

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major haul of gold smuggled into Kerala, customs officers at Trivandrum International Airport on Saturday seized around 30kg of gold worth over Rs 13 crore. The gold brought in the cargo was addressed to a consulate office in Manacaud, Thiruvananthapuram.
According to commissioner of customs Sumit Kumar, the parcel for the consulate office reached the airport in a cargo flight a few days ago and the seizure was made on Saturday based on intelligence inputs.
“We contacted higher authorities. The consignment was diplomatic cargo and was examined in the presence of the consignee. The parcels contained household items such as frames and door handles,” said Kumar, adding that the gold was concealed in the articles, which were then reassembled.
“The consignee, or diplomat in question, disowned the cargo. He has been helping us in getting clarification on the consignment. The officers have detained one person and are tracking other scamsters and smuggling syndicate members who are on the run,” said Kumar.
As per customs Act and diplomatic relations (Vienna convention) Act, diplomats have certain immunity like exemption on articles for official use and personal baggage from inspection. In this case, the consignment was brought as personal baggage.