Calicut Airport Customs Seize Gold Compound Exceeding ₹1 Crore Concealed in Infant’s Diaper
Customs officials at Calicut International Airport intercepted a passenger and recovered gold compound valued at over ₹1 crore. The contraband was allegedly hidden inside an eight-month-old baby’s diaper as well as concealed inside the traveler’s body.
What Happened
On Wednesday, an Air Arabia flight arriving from Ras Al-Khaimah landed at Calicut International Airport carrying a passenger originally from Ponnani. Customs officers stationed at the terminal became suspicious and selected the individual for a detailed inspection.
During the screening, officials discovered packets containing gold compound placed inside the diaper worn by the passenger’s eight-month-old baby. Subsequent examination revealed that additional gold compound had been concealed within the passenger’s body. Customs authorities seized the illicit items, which exceed ₹1 crore in total value, and took the passenger into custody.
Key Highlights
- Valuation: The total gold compound recovered is valued at more than ₹1 crore.
- Concealment Techniques: Gold compound packets were discovered concealed within the diaper of an eight-month-old infant, alongside additional gold hidden internally in the passenger’s body.
- Flight Details: The traveler arrived at Calicut International Airport from Ras Al-Khaimah aboard an Air Arabia service on Wednesday.
- Passenger Origin: Customs authorities confirmed the traveler is a resident of Ponnani.
- Custody: The passenger was apprehended by customs personnel upon completion of the search.
Why This Matters
The operation highlights the detection methods employed by border enforcement personnel at Calicut International Airport, particularly when intercepting unconventional transit techniques that use minors and internal bodily concealment to avoid customs screening.
What to Watch Next
With the traveler taken into custody by customs authorities, the passenger faces continued official processing and proceedings regarding the seized gold consignment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the gold intercepted?
The seizure occurred at Calicut International Airport following the arrival of an international flight from Ras Al-Khaimah.
How was the gold concealed?
Authorities found packets of gold compound hidden inside an eight-month-old infant’s diaper and concealed internally within the passenger’s body.
What is the reported value of the seized gold?
According to customs officials, the confiscated gold compound is worth over ₹1 crore.
What action was taken against the traveler?
Customs officials seized the contraband and took the passenger, a native of Ponnani, into custody.
Source: Reporting published by The Hindu.