Afghan diplomat arrested for smuggling 25 kg gold at Mumbai Airport: Report
- In Reports
- 05:27 PM, May 04, 2024
- Myind Staff
According to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Zakia Wardak, the consul general of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, was apprehended while attempting to smuggle 25 kg of gold valued at ₹18.6 crore from Dubai to India.
The Times of India reported that the incident occurred on April 25 when Wardak was apprehended at the Mumbai airport. Allegedly, DRI officials received specific information about Wardak, prompting them to deploy several personnel at the airport.
According to the report, the Afghan diplomat and her son arrived in Mumbai from Dubai on an Emirates flight at approximately 5:45 pm. The report stated that they utilized the green channel at the airport, suggesting that they were not transporting any luggage requiring declaration to customs.
Customs officials examined and cleared the luggage of the duo, which consisted of five trolley bags, one handbag, one sling bag, and a neck pillow. However, shortly afterward, DRI officials stopped them to inquire whether they were carrying any dutiable goods or gold. The duo denied possessing any such items.
Following the initial questioning, Wardak underwent a physical pat-down by a female officer in a separate room. During this search, DRI officials discovered gold bars concealed in various parts of her attire, including her jacket, leggings, knee caps, and waist belt. Despite checking her son, no items were found on him, as per the report.
When asked to provide documentation proving the lawful possession of the gold, Wardak failed to do so. Consequently, the officials seized the gold under a ‘panchnama’ and initiated a case of gold smuggling against her under the Customs Act, 1962.
Despite the allegations, Wardak was not arrested due to her diplomatic immunity as a representative of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. In response to the accusations, Wardak expressed surprise and concern, stating that she was taken aback by the gold smuggling allegations.
Image source: Times of India
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