Gold smuggling increases again in Kerala due to rising prices; Seizures in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram

After some lull, gold smugglers are becoming active again, with smuggling activities increasing at airports in Kerala.

On Sunday, the Directorate of Customs and Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized smuggled gold at Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi airports.

In a statement issued by the Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate, Kochi, after 360 grams of gold was seized from a passenger arriving at Thiruvananthapuram airport, officials said there has been a significant increase in cases of gold smuggling through the airport recently.

“Trends point to a resurgence of gold smuggling, which appears to be due to high gold prices,” the statement said.

According to Customs, two people were arrested last week for attempting to smuggle gold Rs 1.6 crore lost in separate incidents at Thiruvananthapuram airport.

“Smugglers are adopting new methods of hiding gold on their bodies or in their clothes. There have also been cases of hiding gold in the form of pearls or pearl necklaces,” the statement said.

“The Customs Department is alert and is strengthening its surveillance and enforcement measures at the airport to curb smuggling activities,” the statement said.

DRI on Sunday recovered 630 grams of gold found abandoned from an aircraft at Kochi airport.

According to customs data, around 40.6 kg of gold was seized in 87 cases. 32 crore were detected in Kerala between January and July this year.

Officials said gold smuggling had reduced after the Central government reduced the import duty on gold from 15% to 6%, but the trend seems to be reversing due to the recent rise in gold prices.

“The current surge is due to the rise in gold prices. Once the prices come down, smuggling is also likely to reduce,” an official said.