Customs officials arrest diamond smuggler at Mumbai airport

Mumbai, Mar 29 (UNI) Customs sleuths have arrested a man for smuggling diamond and gold jewellery worth Rs 18 lakh into India, at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at Sahar, here.

Additional Commissioner of Customs Nishith Goyal said here today that Deepak Hiralal Parikh (30) was arrested by the Air Intelligence Unit of the Commissionerate of Customs yesterday.

On suspicion and profiling, they intercepted the man, holding Indian passport, who had arrived from Dubai on the Emirate Airways.

The passenger opted for customs clearance through green channel and declared the total value of dutiable goods being imported as 'nil' on his customs gate pass. However, the examination of his baggage resulted in recovery and seizure of assorted 'diamond-studded gold jewellery' valued at Rs 18.02 lakh, which he was attempting to smuggle into India without declaring and paying customs duty.

Later, he admitted non-declaration of the assorted jewellery.

A case has been registetred against him under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

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