Rs 37 Lakh Gold, Gadgets, Banned Cigarettes Seized at Nagpur Airport

 Gold, Gadgets, Cigarettes Seized: In a significant breakthrough, customs officials at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur intercepted a smuggling attempt involving gold bars, high-end electronic gadgets, and foreign-origin cigarettes. This notable seizure has drawn attention due to the high value of the confiscated items, totaling over Rs 37 lakh. The operation, executed with precision, underscores the vigilance and efficiency of the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) and Air Customs Unit (ACU) of Nagpur Customs.

Details of the Seizure

Gold Bars Seized

On a routine Sunday morning, officials discovered 200 grams of 24k gold valued at Rs 14,20,000/-. The gold was concealed meticulously by two passengers, Mohammad Tarique Shaikh and Sunny Bhola Yadav, both residents of Mumbai. These gold bars, each weighing 100 grams, were cleverly hidden but eventually unearthed by the alert customs team.

Electronic Gadgets Confiscated

Alongside the gold, an array of high-end electronic gadgets was seized. This included:

• 20 iPhone 15 Pro Max devices valued at Rs 18,61,930/-
• 8 refurbished Dell laptops valued at Rs 2,59,992/-
• One iPad Air valued at Rs 42,022/-

The total value of these electronic devices amounted to Rs 21,63,944/-. The smugglers aimed to bypass customs duties, which significantly increase the retail prices of such imported gadgets in India.

Banned Cigarettes Intercepted

Adding to the haul, the officials also seized 14,400 cigarette sticks of foreign origin, valued at Rs 1,98,000/-. The import of these cigarettes is heavily regulated, and they often find their way into the country through illegal channels, avoiding hefty import duties.

The Smuggling Attempt ( Gold, Gadgets, Cigarettes Seized)

The Passengers Involved

The operation spotlighted two individuals: Mohammad Tarique Shaikh and Sunny Bhola Yadav. These passengers arrived from Sharjah on Air Arabia Flight No. G9-415. The duo’s plan to smuggle these items was thwarted by the combined efforts of the AIU and ACU.

Operational Tactics

The customs officials employed a mix of intelligence and advanced screening techniques to identify and intercept the contraband. The vigilance of the officials and the use of sophisticated technology played a pivotal role in this successful operation.

Key Personnel

The operation was conducted under the guidance and supervision of Sanjay Kumar, Commissioner of Customs, Nagpur, and Peeyoush Bhati, Additional Commissioner of Customs, Nagpur. The direct execution was handled by Anjum Tadvi, Assistant Commissioner (AC) of AIU, with substantial support from V Laxminarayana, AC of ACU, and other dedicated officials including Alexander Lakra, Manish Pandharpurkar, Rajesh Khapre, Prakash Kapse, Vishal Bhopte, Shubham Kori, Yogita Mulani, Aditya Bairwa, Krishna Kant Dhakar, and Priyanka Meena.

Team Effort

The coordinated effort of the entire team was crucial. Each member played a significant role in ensuring the smuggling attempt was foiled. This collaborative approach highlights the strength and efficiency of Nagpur Customs in dealing with complex smuggling operations.

Impact of the Seizure ( Gold, Gadgets, Cigarettes Seized)

Economic Implications

This seizure is not just about preventing illegal goods from entering the market; it has broader economic implications. By intercepting these items, customs officials prevented significant revenue loss in the form of unpaid import duties and taxes.

Market Regulations

The confiscation of these items helps maintain market stability. Illegally imported goods often flood the market at lower prices, undercutting legitimate businesses and affecting the overall economy.

Public Safety and Health

Banned cigarettes pose a significant health risk. Their unregulated entry into the market can lead to increased public health issues. This seizure helps in controlling the availability of such harmful products.

The recent operation by Nagpur Customs at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport exemplifies the effectiveness of diligent and coordinated efforts in combating smuggling. The seizure of gold, high-end electronics, and banned cigarettes worth over Rs 37 lakh is a testament to the vigilance and commitment of customs officials. Their success in this operation not only protects economic interests but also ensures public safety and market regulation.

1. What was the total value of the seized items at Nagpur Airport?

• The total value of the seized items was Rs 37,81,944/-.

2. Which electronic gadgets were confiscated during the operation?

• The confiscated gadgets included 20 iPhone 15 Pro Max devices, 8 refurbished Dell laptops, and one iPad Air.

3. How much gold was seized and what was its value?

• 200 grams of 24k gold valued at Rs 14,20,000/- was seized.

4. Who were the passengers involved in the smuggling attempt?

• The passengers involved were Mohammad Tarique Shaikh and Sunny Bhola Yadav, both residents of Mumbai.

5. How did the customs officials manage to intercept the smuggled goods?

• The officials used a combination of intelligence and advanced screening techniques to identify and intercept the contraband.