Delhi Airport Staff Among Two Held for Gold Smuggling

New Delhi: Two men, including an employee of a company engaged for ground work at the Delhi airport, were today arrested by the customs officials for their alleged involvement in gold smuggling, according to an official statement.

The accused had shaped the gold in two keys and changed its colour from yellow to silver to dodge the customs authorities.

One man was intercepted by the officials after his arrival from Bangkok at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) here, a statement issued by the customs said.

Later, another man, who works a as team leader with a ground handling agency at the airport, was also held by the customs authorities over suspicion of smuggling.

A detailed personal search resulted in recovery of two pieces of gold, which were given the shape of keys, weighing 215 grams, it said.

"It was revealed that the ground handling staff has also smuggled approximately 765 grams gold on two previous occasions," it said.

The market value of the said 980 grams of gold works out to be Rs 27.47 lakh, the statement said, adding that both the accused were arrested.

PTI