The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Mumbai Customs in the wee hours of Thursday intercepted a passenger who was being helped by a staff of a ground-handling agency.
The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Mumbai Customs in the wee hours of Thursday intercepted a passenger who was being helped by a staff of a ground-handling agency.
The incident took place at around 1.20 am when the AIU intercepted the arrival passenger Mohammed Shammaz Armar, having an Indian passport. He was caught with gold weighing 2.204 kg, worth Rs. 59,76,124.
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Shammaz arrived from Dubai by Indigo 6E 062 and was seen to be trying to conceal gold in washroom near the transit hold area. After he was caught, he revealed the plan he was to execute and also the name of one Livewell (one of the ground handling agencies at T2). He said that some Sandeep Phalke was going to pick the yellow metal from the washroom.
After getting the ground staff's details, the AIU detained the staff at around 2 am. It was learnt that the staff was on overtime duty after completing his shift. On being investigated, the staff revealed the name of another employee of Livewell who was named Nokonha Johnson who, according to Phalke, asked him to do so.
“On checking the photo of the detained Livewell staff, it was found that there was no 'I' printed on it which is necessary to enter International corridor area. He was questioned about how he managed to enter the area to which he explained that he had entered in the corridor through aerobridge ladder from apron side, which is in use for aircraft," said an AIU Official.
"Investigations are in process and a team of officers is to visit Johnson's house to bring him for investigation," said a senior airport customs officer.
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