A joint operation by Gujarat ATS and Rajkot city Crime Branch led to the interception of around 180kg of silver, valued at nearly ₹5 crore, at Rajkot Airport following intelligence inputs about suspicious movement of the precious metal through air cargo channels.Officials said Gujarat ATS received specific intelligence indicating that a Rajkot-based individual was set to receive a large silver consignment through air cargo. Considering the sensitivity of the information, ATS officials immediately alerted the Rajkot city Crime Branch and dispatched a team to the city for coordinated action.During the operation, the suspected receiver was intercepted after the consignment reached Rajkot airport. Authorities examined the parcels in the presence of the receiver and scrutinized the accompanying documents.Preliminary verification revealed that the documentation linked to the silver consignment was incomplete and raised suspicion of possible tax evasion, officials said.As the matter largely involved alleged Goods and Services Tax (GST) irregularities, the state GST department was called in for further action. After completion of initial legal procedures by the ATS and crime branch teams, the investigation was formally handed over to state GST authorities.Officials did not disclose the identity of the receiver or details regarding the origin and intended destination of the consignment. Sources said investigators are examining whether the silver was being transported using forged or manipulated invoices to evade tax liabilities.
