Officials from the Customs Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) at Chennai International Airport have successfully intercepted several major smuggling attempts over the past week. Using targeted intelligence and passenger profiling, the AIU foiled attempts to smuggle narcotics, gold, and foreign currency, according to a PIB release.The operations led to the seizure of over 9 kg of Ganja (Cannabis), 594 grams of 24k gold worth approximately Rs 52 lakh, and foreign and Indian currency totaling Rs 51.40 lakh. In two separate cases involving Ganja smuggling from Bangkok, two Indian passengers and a receiver were arrested. Significant seizures included 7.473 kg of Ganja on October 8 and 1.9 kg on October 7. Gold and currency seizures included 594 grams of gold from Abu Dhabi on October 6 and Rs 51.40 lakh on October 4 from a passenger bound for Singapore.
These successful interceptions underscore Chennai Customs’ crucial role in combating cross-border smuggling and protecting the nation from transnational organized crime.