Customs seize gold bars, antique coins

Chennai, Apr 12 (UNI) In two separate seizures, air customs officials seized two gold bars weighing 233 gms and 12 antique coins dating back to the Moghul period at the international airport here.

An official release today said while the gold bars, with foreign markings, were seized from a passenger who arrived here from Colombo yesterday, the antique coins, 400-year-old, were seized on April nine from a speed post parcel booked for Japan.

The gold bars, valued at Rs 2.2 lakh, were concealed in the rectum by the passenger Hasan Mubarak (30), hailing from Thondi.

On persistent questioning, he admitted to carrying two gold bars which were wrapped in black cello tape. He was arrested under the provision of the Customs Act 1962.

Meanwhile, in the other seizure, the officials intercepted a speed post parcel booked by one Bondayes of Nagercoil to Japan.

When it was to be airlifted by Singapore Airlines, the officials grew suspicious, examined the parcel and found 12 coins of antique value.

The antique coins were prohibited for exports and were seized under the provisions of the Customs Act 1962, read with Antiquities and Art Treasure Act 1972. The consignor had also not filed or appended any declaration regarding the contents in the parcel as per the law.

UNI