The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Nagpur Customs has, on Tuesday, thwarted a major attempt of gold smuggling at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in the city. The officials of the AIU, Customs Nagpur, intercepted a passenger, Abdul Raqib, at the airport who was carrying a yellowish paste with him. The officials later on found that it was gold in ‘paste form’ and concealed in the undergarments.

As per the reports, the quantity of gold is 1.236 kgs valuing approximately Rs 68.60 lakh in the market.

Abdul Raqib arrived in the city from Mumbai by Go First Flight no. G8-2601. In his confessional statement the same day, Abdul Raqib accepted that the gold was of foreign origin and the same was brought in concealed condition in order to evade the payment of customs duty on imported gold. Further investigation is going on under Customs Act, 1962, said Peeyoush Bhati, Additional Commissioner of Customs, Nagpur Customs.