Indonesian woman held with Rs 6 crores worth smuggled gold

Mumbai: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested an Indonesian woman at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai, on Saturday for allegedly smuggling around 4 kg of 24-carat gold worth Rs 6 crore.The accused, identified as Zazkiya Rosaindah (30), was booked under various Section 104 of the Customs Act, 1962.The DRI said specific intelligence was received that Rosaindah, travelling from Dubai to Mumbai, was likely to be carrying prohibited or restricted goods concealed on her person or in her baggage.During questioning, Rosaindah allegedly denied carrying any dutiable goods, gold or contraband and stated that she had nothing to declare before Customs.The search led to the recovery of four yellow metal bars bearing foreign markings, concealed in the side pockets of her jeans. It totalled around 4 kgs worth Rs 5.99 crores.The DRI, while seeking her custody, told the court that Rosaindah admitted the gold had been smuggled into India without declaration before Customs authorities.The gold bars, along with the plastic covers and purity certificates, were seized under Sections 110, 118 and 119 of the Customs Act as they were liable for confiscation under Section 111 of the Act.

Investigators informed the court that the probe is at a crucial stage and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other members of the international syndicate. The agency is investigating the source of the gold, its intended distribution network in India, and the alleged transfer of money through illegal hawala channels.Advocate Ravi Hirani, for the accused, argued before the court that his client had declared the gold she was carrying at the Dubai airport and was about to declare it in Mumbai as well, but before that, she was intercepted by the DRI.