Mangalore: Gold found concealed in footwear

Mangalore: The airport here seems to create history in the different modes and methods adopted by air passengers to smuggle in gold and other things thus evading customs and excise duty. In recent months, attempts were made to bring in gold concealed in Quaker oats, undergarments etc., and even converted into different shapes and forms. But many cases could not escape the eagle eyes of the customs officers here. Manzeer Hassan of Bhatkal had arrived by Air India Express on Wednesday. The DRI and customs officials checked his baggage. Nothing was found in his baggage, although they had prior intimation that he was carrying gold. Finally, on suspicion, they made him remove his footwear, wherein a gold billet of 116.64 gms and a gold coin weighing 8 gms were found concealed in the velcro belt of the sandal.  The total value of gold seized is estimated at Rs 3.85 lakh.   Source: Manglorean.com