India: Man dips towel in liquid gold in smuggling attempt from Dubai
A man who attempted to smuggle gold by dipping bath towels in liquid gold was apprehended by Customs officials at the Kochi airport, informed the officials on Thursday.
The accused has been identified as Fahad, 26, a native of Thrissur who arrived at Kochi airport from Dubai on Spice Jet (SG 54) on October 10.
The customs officials said this was the first time they witnessed such a method of smuggling the precious metal.
“Fahad tried to smuggle gold by dipping bath towels in liquid gold and packing them carefully. During the inspection, the customs officers suspected the wet towels in his bag,” the officials said. The officials added that when the accused was questioned about the wet towels, he replied that he had taken a shower before leaving for the airport.
The Customs officers found it hard to believe his explanation. He then inspected the content properly. Five bath towels dipped in gold were seized from his bag.
“It will take a few more days to tell exactly how much gold will be in these towels, and scientific tests are going on. The customs authorities have clarified that the gold is extracted using a very complicated method and cannot be disclosed for security reasons,” said the customs officials.
