Diamonds worth Rs 6.6 crore concealed in chocolate wrappers seized at Mumbai Airport
The seized diamonds are worth Rs 6.6 crore
In a major haul, customs officials at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport seized diamonds worth Rs 6.6 crore concealed in chocolate wrappers from an Indian national.
On the basis of profiling, Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) officials intercepted an Indian national flying to Dubai on the Mumbai-Dubai Jet Airways flight 9W-580 on Friday morning. The flyer was identified as Saleem Basha.
During the inspection of his baggage, officials found several chocolates. However, upon a closer examination, hundreds of assorted diamonds were found concealed in the wrappers of Snickers, which was mixed with other regular confectionaries.
The diamonds were seized and subsequently handed over to relevant authorities. The seized diamonds were 3290.8 carat and valued at approximately Rs 6.63 crore.
In custody, Basha admitted to possession, carriage, non-declaration, and recovery of diamonds. He was later arrested under relevant sections of the Customs Act.
Basha, who works in Dubai, told officials that he was promised commission on transporting the package to the UAE. Cops are now trying to trace the receiver and ascertain if the duo is part of a larger racket.
The haul is the biggest one this year.
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Related: Foreign currency worth Rs 1.25 crore seized at Mumbai airport
