Customs Authorities Seize Rs. 14.37 Crore Worth of Gold in Vijayawada

NEWS CHARIOT : Customs officials from the Vijayawada Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate have successfully intercepted a gold smuggling operation, seizing 17.90 kilograms of illegally transported gold, valued at Rs. 14.37 crore. The operation, which took place across three locations in the region, was a result of intelligence suggesting illegal gold trafficking from foreign countries.

The authorities set up surveillance at key points, including the Tadipatri and Nellore railway stations and the Bollapalli Toll Plaza in Bapatla district. During the operation, 16 individuals were caught in possession of the smuggled gold. The gold was reportedly being transported from Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Upon arrest, the suspects were presented before a special court in Visakhapatnam and subsequently remanded in custody.

Customs Commissioner Sadhu Narasimha Reddy confirmed the arrests and the seizure. He also highlighted that this interception adds to the ongoing efforts by the Vijayawada Customs to curb illegal gold smuggling in the region. In the 2023-24 financial year, the commissionerate had already seized 32 kilograms of gold worth Rs. 19 crore. Furthermore, in the current financial year 2024-25, authorities have seized 20.41 kilograms of gold, valued at Rs. 16.15 crore, as of now.

The recent operation demonstrates the continued vigilance and efforts of the Customs department in combating gold smuggling and enforcing regulations on international trade and import-export activities. The crackdown aims to discourage illicit trade and ensure that smuggling networks operating across borders are dismantled, safeguarding both economic and security interests.

This seizure is a significant victory for the Customs department in their ongoing battle against smuggling and a reminder of the increasing attention given to curbing the illegal movement of precious metals in the region.