Indian Customs set up 'internal security wing' in Airport to tackle gold smuggling

NEW DELHI (Scrap Monster): The Indian Customs authorities have set up special security wing at Ahmedabad City Airport to curb the rising incidents of gold smuggling. According to statistics, nearly 50 passengers, including women, were arrested for attempting to smuggle gold during this year alone. This is the first time that Customs Department has opened ‘Air Intelligence Unit’ (AIU) at the city airport.

According to Customs notification, only big international airports such as Delhi and Mumbai had AIU units so far. The primary duty of AIU officials is to check for duty evasion. In addition, they are also responsible to check gold smuggling, as gold became the most smuggled item since the government raised the import duty on the precious metal last year.

The new wing at the airport has a deputy commissioner, a superintendent, two inspectors and other officials. The AIU officials are entitled to keep strict watch on the suspects once they enter airport. They check whether the passengers have declared gold for duty. The officials are allowed to follow the suspects until the exit gate and detain them for further questioning if needed.

As per officials, 47.97 kilograms of gold worth Rs 13.83 crores have been seized at the Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport, Ahmedabad since January this year. Also, 43 incidents of gold smuggling have been reported so far this year.