Customs seize gold and currency worth Rs 1.35 crore

Based on a tip-off, Askar Ali (44), Sharim Foulath (20), Shaik Abdulla (41), Kedar Hussain (47), Mohamed Ibrahim (45) and Natheem Khan (30) of Chennai, and Yakub (62) of Tiruchy who arrived from Dubai were intercepted at the exit on suspicion of smuggling gold. Officials checked their hand baggage, mobile phone cover and carton boxes, and recovered 1.10 kg gold valued at Rs 56 lakhs.

In another incident, Mohamed Hussain (26) of Pudukkottai; Manikandan Subramani (26), Shamirul Khan (29) and Abdul Arasath Parveez (21) of Chennai; Mohamed Hanifa (27) and Thameem Ansari (23) of Ilayangudi; Mohamed Farooq (22) of Ambur; and Askarali (28) of Tiruchy who arrived from Dubai were intercepted at the exit. From their handbags, 17 gold cut bits, 10 gold chains and 2 rectangular plates were recovered. In all, 1.32 kg gold valued at Rs 67 lakhs was recovered and seized.

In the last incident, Sowkath Ali (28) of Ramanathapuram, who was destined for Dubai, was intercepted at departure terminal in security hold area on suspicion of carrying foreign currency. In the straps and pockets of his backpack, 19,500 Saudi riyals in 500 denomination and 11,000 US dollars in 100 denomination, equivalent to Rs 12 lakhs, were found concealed.

Ali was arrested as he had an earlier offence against him.