Gold worth Rs 14L, hidden in balm, cream, nail cutters seized
CHENNAI: Customs officials seized gold worth Rs 14.12 lakh which was concealed in nail cutters, face cream boxes, dinky cars etc at the Chennai airport on Monday.
On Monday early morning one Syed Nadeem Ur Rehman (33), of Chennai who had arrived from Dubai was intercepted at the exit on suspicion of carrying gold by the Customs as he was hurrying through the green channel. When questioned he was evasive in his reply, and his check-in bag was taken up for examination. On opening, five Tiger Balm glass bottles, six Nivea cream boxes, three mini-toy race cars and two nail cutters were found concealed inside among his personal effects.
On examination, 11 round gold cut pieces were found concealed in balm and cream bottles and three gold pieces in the bottom of toy cars. On close examination of nail cutters, the Customs found it was multifunctional with bottle opener and small knife attachments. Four knife and bottle openers were found to be made of gold and painted with silver.
Further, on personal search, one gold cut bit was recovered from his pant pocket. Altogether, 19 gold cut pieces weighing 286 grams valued at Rs 14.12 lakh were recovered and seized under the Customs Act.
Further investigation is under progress.