Gold bars worth Rs 54 lakh seized at Kochi Airport

Kochi: A passenger, who arrived from Dubai at Cochin International Airport, was on Sunday arrested and two gold bars valued at Rs 54 lakh seized from his possession, officials said.

They said the two gold bars, totally weighing two kg, were found inside a white coloured bath towel of the passenger, who is a native of Mallapuram.

A top customs official said the passenger tried to smuggle the gold bars by concealing them inside the towel and tying it around his waist under his trousers.

The gold bars are of 24 carat purity, weighing two kg, and valued at Rs 54,00,000, officials said.

The passenger was attempting to exit the arrival hall by the green channel without declaring the gold for purpose of evading duty, they said.

Officials said, the passenger during questioning told them that he attempted to smuggle the gold for monetary benefit and that he was only a carrier of gold and not its owner.