Authorities in Ahmedabad intercepted a passenger arriving from Abu Dhabi on February 19, who had attempted to smuggle over 135 grams of 24-karat gold by swallowing it. The incident was reported by the Ahmedabad Customs Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) after profiling the passenger, identified as Sharukh, who landed on an Air Arabia flight.

During the initial interrogation, Sharukh admitted to concealing metallic items in his body, which prompted customs officials to take further action. Following a directive issued by the Chief Judicial Magistrate on the same day, the passenger was admitted to Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad for medical examination and investigation.

Upon arrival at the hospital, medical professionals conducted tests and determined that Sharukh had swallowed three cylindrical capsules and one spherical ball. The capsules were found to contain gold. After a stool passage, the hospital confirmed the release of these items. The recovery was documented in a medical report issued on February 21.

Market value of seized gold is approximately Rs 21.89 lakh

The Customs department then conducted an appraisal of the retrieved items, with the Government Valuer certifying that the three cylindrical capsules weighed a total of 135.200 grams and possessed a purity level of 999.0 or 24-karat gold. The market value of this gold was estimated to be approximately Rs 21.89 lakh, while the tariff value stood at Rs 20 lakh approx.. In contrast, the fourth spherical capsule was identified as being constructed from non-precious ferrous metal.

As the gold was smuggled into the country without being declared to customs, the appropriate legal actions were initiated, and the items were seized under the Customs Act of 1962. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities delve deeper into the matter.

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