Gold Smuggling Surge Resurfaces in Kerala Airports Amid Price Hike

Gold smuggling at Kerala airports is on the rise again, driven by high prices. Customs and DRI officials have seized significant quantities of smuggled gold, arresting suspects and employing enhanced surveillance to curb the activities. The resurgence follows a decline after a previous reduction in import duties.

Gold smugglers are resurfacing in Kerala, with increased activities at major airports in the state. Airports like Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi have become hotspots for these unlawful actions.

Officials from the Customs and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recently confiscated smuggled gold at these locations, with 360 grams seized from a single passenger at Thiruvananthapuram.

The Customs data revealed that a staggering 40.6 kg of gold was confiscated from 87 cases in Kerala within the first seven months of the year, a rise attributed to soaring gold prices.

(With inputs from agencies.)