New Delhi: Two Air India SATS (AISATS) staff members were among three people arrested by customs officials at the international airport here for allegedly smuggling in gold valued at Rs 72.5 lakh, according to an official statement. Giving details of the case, the officials said a passenger was intercepted by officials on his arrival Monday from Abu Dhabi.
“During interrogation, he admitted that he had carried two silver-coloured packets of chemical paste containing approximately 1.48 kg gold and hid the same in lavatory of the aircraft (he had come in),” said the statement issued by the Customs, Tuesday. One Air India SATS staff member was later caught by customs officers while he was handing over the packets to another AISATS staff, it added. All the three persons were arrested and the gold was seized, it said.
Also read: Air India cabin crew member held for smuggling gold worth Rs 45 lakh at Delhi airport
AISATS is an airport service provider. It is a joint venture between Air India (AI) and Singapore Airport Terminal Services (SATS).
During investigation, the passenger admitted that he had smuggled gold valued at Rs 2.17 crore during his three previous visits, the statement said.
An Air India crew member was arrested Sunday at the airport for allegedly smuggling into India gold valuing about Rs 45 lakh.