Lankan held in Chennai with gold bars [November 23 2008]

Officials of the Air Intelligence Unit of the Indian Customs seized gold bars weighing 1.16 kg from a Sri Lankan national at the Anna International terminal in Chennai. They were concealed in stroller rods of checked-in baggage. They arrested the passenger and the seized gold bars valued at Rs.15.38 lakh.

An official release stated that the passenger was proceeding through the Green Channel. On suspicion the authorities examined her baggage. This is the second instance in two months in which the Sri Lankan nationals attempted to smuggle gold through the Chennai airport. In the current financial year, the Indian Customs have so far seized goods worth Indian Rs.20 crore, which include gold, drugs, electronic goods and ornamental fish.