Two Myanmar Nationals Arrested with Rs 2.65 Crore Gold at Chennai Airport

Two Myanmar nationals, including a woman, were arrested by Chennai Customs at the Chennai International Airport after they were found attempting to smuggle 1.967 kg of gold valued at Rs 2.65 crore into the city.

The passengers were intercepted by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) based on passenger profiling following their arrival in Chennai on a flight from Bangkok on August 15.

During a personal search, officials discovered the gold concealed inside their bodies. The male passenger was found carrying two solid masses wrapped in rubber pouches concealed in his rectum, while the woman was found carrying multiple gold pellets wrapped in adhesive tape, concealed in a similar manner.

Further examination revealed that the items were cut pieces of gold bars. The recovered gold weighed a total of 1,967 grams and was certified by the department's assayer as 24-carat gold, with a total estimated value of Rs 2.65 crore.

Customs officials seized the contraband and arrested both passengers under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. The duo was subsequently remanded in judicial custody. Customs authorities stated that further investigation into the matter is under way.