Chennai: The customs officials at the Chennai international airport seized Iranian saffron worth Rs 60 lakh from a passenger who arrived here from Dubai yesterday.
A 42-year-old man hailing from Thanjavur was intercepted by the custom’s air intelligence unit on suspicion. Iranian saffron of Behrang brand Grade I and Badiee brand Grade II in 25 gram pouches, totally weighing 31 kg was found concealed in his two trolley bags.
The accused was later arrested. According to officials, smuggling of saffron has been on the rise due to high price of the Indian variety and high import duty.
In another unrelated incident, Customs officials seized 400 gm gold cut bar worth Rs 13.3 lakh concealed in the underwear of a passenger who had here from Bangkok.