Indian Customs Dept launches 3-tier security system to curb gold smuggling

MUMBAI (Scrap Monster): The Indian Customs Department has launched a tighter security system to check the menace of gold smuggling through airports. The newly introduced 3-tier system intends to post special officers at overseas airports. As part of the system, the Department will install state-of-the-art equipment at domestic airports which could detect even a gram of gold either in baggage or carried by the person.

The Customs department will deploy specially trained officers at departure terminals of airports in foreign countries, especially those in the Gulf Countries. These officers will be entrusted to watch and report suspicious movements by any passenger. The suspected passengers will be under surveillance during their journey to ensure that no exchange of gold takes place during the travel. The details of suspected passengers will be conveyed to customs officials at destination airport.

The second tier of security system pertains to installation of most modern equipment to screen passengers and baggage. The Customs is already in the process of installing fool-proof door-frame metal detectors that could detect even a single gram of gold.

The third tier of the beefed-up security system makes it mandatory for the passenger to furnish the details of foreign currency that was used to buy gold from the foreign country.

According to most recent statistics, smuggled gold worth Rs 266.95 (USD 45 Million) were seized in India during April to June this year. The value of seized gold during the three-month period has already exceeded 50% of the value of total gold seized during the entire fiscal year 2013-’14.