Gold Seized at Imphal Airport by CISF: Full Report
Short Summary
On October 22, 2024, CISF officials seized over 620 grams of gold from two passengers at Imphal Airport, following intelligence reports. The passengers, Lourembam Ramananda Mangang and Kshetrimayum Gulson Meitei, were en route to Guwahati and were found carrying the gold in chains hidden in their hand luggage. The confiscated gold was handed over to the Customs Division for further investigation into potential smuggling activities.
Gold Smuggling Foiled: Details on the Seizure at Imphal Airport
Introduction
Smuggling gold has been a growing concern at airports around the globe. On October 22, 2024, yet another attempt was thwarted when the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) successfully seized gold from two passengers at Imphal Airport in Manipur, India. But how did it all unfold? What were the smuggling methods, and what are the implications of such incidents? Let’s dig deep into the details.
The Smuggling Attempt: A Closer Look
Smuggling isn’t a new trend at airports, but the ingenuity and persistence of smugglers keep security forces on their toes. This recent incident at Imphal Airport underscores the ongoing battle to stop illegal gold smuggling.
The passengers involved, Lourembam Ramananda Mangang and Kshetrimayum Gulson Meitei, both hail from Manipur. They were scheduled to fly to Guwahati on Indigo flight 6E-6342. Acting on specific intelligence, CISF officers conducted an extensive X-ray scan (X-BIS screening) of their hand luggage. This is where the smuggled gold, cleverly concealed as chains, was discovered.
- Lourembam Ramananda Mangang was carrying 312.91 grams of gold.
- Kshetrimayum Gulson Meitei had 310.61 grams of gold.
The gold was divided into six chains, with each chain carefully weighed, resulting in nearly identical quantities carried by both individuals. While the exact origin of the gold is still under investigation, one can only imagine how these individuals attempted to bypass stringent airport security.
How Did They Get Caught?
So, what’s the secret sauce behind catching these smugglers? It wasn’t just a random check. Intelligence-driven operations often provide targeted information to security forces, making their efforts more precise and successful. In this case, the CISF acted upon tip-offs, heightening their suspicion and ensuring that the duo underwent thorough screening.
The X-BIS (X-ray Baggage Inspection System) used by the CISF played a pivotal role in detecting the gold chains. These sophisticated machines scan baggage and generate high-quality images that allow officers to identify unusual shapes or densities within items, leading to the gold’s discovery. Had the baggage not gone through this rigorous screening, the smugglers might have succeeded.
Why Imphal Airport?
One might wonder, why Imphal Airport? Manipur is strategically located near international borders, making it an attractive hub for smugglers. The northeastern states of India have been dealing with smuggling activities, particularly involving precious metals like gold, due to their proximity to countries like Myanmar, where gold trafficking is prevalent. The smuggling routes often involve traveling from Myanmar through the Northeast, using various entry points into India, making airports like Imphal critical to monitoring illegal activities.
Gold Smuggling: A Broader Issue
Gold smuggling is not just a local issue; it’s a global one. But why do people resort to smuggling gold?
India has one of the highest demands for gold in the world. Whether for cultural or investment purposes, gold is considered a valuable commodity in the country. However, high import duties imposed on gold make it tempting for individuals to smuggle it, bypassing these duties and fetching high returns in the black market.
In fact, gold smuggling has spiked over the years due to increasing gold prices and the stringent taxes imposed by governments. Smugglers often adopt innovative methods to hide gold, including:
- Disguising gold in personal jewelry, such as chains, rings, or even belt buckles.
- Embedding gold in electronic devices or other everyday items.
- Swallowing gold capsules, an incredibly dangerous method, but shockingly common.
The Imphal airport incident is just one of many cases where the CISF and other security agencies have had to remain vigilant to curb smuggling.
What Happens Next?
After the CISF caught the two passengers, the next step was handing them and the seized gold over to the Customs Division at Imphal Airport. The customs officials will carry out further investigations to trace the origin of the gold and determine whether a larger smuggling syndicate is involved.
The two passengers are likely to face legal action under customs laws related to illegal possession and transportation of gold. Depending on the severity of their involvement, the consequences could range from heavy fines to imprisonment.
Preventing Future Incidents
While this case serves as a victory for law enforcement, it also highlights the need for continued vigilance and enhanced airport security measures. Airports must continue leveraging advanced technology and intelligence-sharing networks to stay one step ahead of smugglers.
Some measures that can help curb gold smuggling at airports include:
- Increasing Randomized Screening: While intelligence-based checks are crucial, random screening of passengers adds another layer of protection.
- Use of Metal Detectors and Body Scanners: High-precision detectors can help identify hidden gold on passengers.
- Collaboration with International Agencies: Since smuggling networks often span borders, collaborating with global security and intelligence agencies can help thwart these operations at their root.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating passengers about the risks and legal repercussions of smuggling can deter individuals from getting involved.
Conclusion
The gold seizure at Imphal Airport is a testament to the CISF’s diligence in combating smuggling. As gold remains a highly sought-after commodity, incidents like these are likely to continue unless stricter measures are implemented across the board. The broader issue of gold smuggling isn’t just about individuals trying to evade taxes—it’s part of a much larger, organized network that thrives on illegal activities. But with continued vigilance, technology, and cooperation, such illicit endeavors can be stopped in their tracks.
FAQs
- Why is gold smuggling so common in India? Due to high import duties and a strong demand for gold, individuals resort to smuggling to avoid taxes and profit from the black market.
- How do smugglers conceal gold at airports? Smugglers use creative methods like hiding gold in jewelry, electronics, or even swallowing gold capsules.
- What is the CISF’s role in airport security? The CISF is responsible for safeguarding airports in India, conducting baggage checks, and thwarting smuggling attempts.
- What legal actions do smugglers face if caught? If caught smuggling gold, individuals face heavy fines, imprisonment, and criminal charges under customs laws.
- Why is Imphal a hotspot for smuggling? Its proximity to international borders, particularly Myanmar, makes Imphal a prime route for smuggling activities.
