CHENNAI: The Customs Department’s Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) foiled an attempt by a Sri Lankan man to sneak in semi-precious stones at Chennai airport by packing them in a condom and hiding it in his rectum.
The Sri Lankan man Mohammed Irfan, who arrived from Colombo by Sri Lankan Airlines flight, was intercepted by the AIU, who after searching him found 191 semi-precious stones (rubies, yellow and blue sapphires) worth Rs 10 lakh.
This was one of the five smuggling attempts foiled by the AIU in a week.
The unit seized Rs 76 lakh worth of gold, semi-precious stones and foreign currencies in the five seizures, according to the AIU’s media statement.
Detailing the individual cases, the statement said an Indian, Syed Riyaz Basha, who arrived by Kuwait Airlines flight KU-343 was intercepted at the green channel. He had hidden 450 grams of gold worth Rs 12.5 lakh in the handle of a kid’s scooter.
In another incident, 300 grams of gold hidden in a hollow metallic rod was seized from Syed Mohammed Ali, an Indian who arrived from Riyadh by Air Arabia flight.
In a related incident, Abdul Salam Shamsudeen, heading to Singapore by Jet Airways flight was intercepted after he cleared immigration.
During the probe, it was found that Shamsudeen had hidden foreign currencies inside inner wears and checked-in baggage.
The currency was Saudi Riyals valued at Rs 48,000 and 9,900 euros equivalent to Rs 15.5 lakh.
In another case, 1.15 kg gold worth Rs 31.9 lakh was seized from the passenger K Khadar Basha, who arrived from Riyadh by Saudia Airlines.