30 kg of gold seized from consulate cargo

Customs enforcers on Sunday inspected an air cargo consignment addressed to the Consular General of the United Arab Emirates here and found 30 kg of gold concealed in imported plumbing material.

Officials valued the contraband at ₹15 crore. The shipment had arrived at the international airport here five days ago. It was kept unopened pending customs clearance at the air cargo complex.

Possibly acting on a tipoff, Customs enforcers summoned consulate officials to the air cargo complex and opened the shipment in their presence. They found the gold concealed in cylindrical form inside pipes, faucets and an air-compressor. The UAE consulate has denied any knowledge of the smuggling operation.