A passenger aboard Air India flight AI 992 from Jeddah to Delhi found himself in custody upon landing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. The individual was apprehended following suspicions raised by the flight crew. The incident began when an air hostess offered refreshments, including water, tea, and food, to the passenger, all of which were declined throughout the five-and-a-half-hour flight duration. Concerned by the passenger’s consistent refusal to eat or drink, the air hostess alerted the captain, who in turn informed security agencies via air traffic control.
Upon landing, the Customs Preventive team initiated surveillance on the passenger. Authorities intercepted him as he attempted to pass through customs clearance. Subsequent interrogation revealed that the passenger had concealed gold paste in his rectum, which he removed in the form of four oval capsules.
Joint Commissioner (Customs) Monika Yadav reported the recovery of approximately 1096.76 grams of gold, valued at approximately Rs 69,16,169. The passenger admitted to smuggling the gold from Jeddah, leading to his arrest under relevant sections of the Customs Act.
Instances where passengers refrain from consuming food or beverages during flights are closely monitored by flight crews as they are often indicators of smuggling attempts involving hidden items. Airlines and authorities continue to collaborate to prevent such illicit activities.
For further updates, authorities are conducting thorough investigations into the incident.
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