Ahmedabad: The discovery of 24 gold biscuits hidden in a cavity in the lavatory of an aircraft on Friday has led investigating agencies to suspect this to be the handiwork of a sophisticated smuggling network involving individuals familiar with aircraft interiors and operations.According to customs sources, the gold was found concealed behind the speaker compartment inside the front lavatory of the aircraft that landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport from Dubai. Officials had to seek assistance from aircraft engineers to access the hidden cavity.“When the compartment was opened, two black pouches were found concealed inside. They contained 24-carat gold biscuits weighing nearly 2.8kg,” a source said. Officials estimate the value of the seized gold at Rs 4.3 crore.Investigators believe the concealment method points to the involvement of someone with technical knowledge of aircraft structures and access to the aircraft. “Unlike recent smuggling cases in which gold or contraband was hidden beneath passenger seats, this is the first instance at Ahmedabad airport where precious metal has been recovered from a concealed compartment inside the aircraft itself,” said a source close to the investigation.“Such a hiding spot is unlikely to be known or accessed by an ordinary passenger. The concealment appears to have been carried out by someone familiar with the aircraft and its internal configuration. The authorities are examining all possibilities,” the source added.Investigators are also exploring whether Ahmedabad was the intended destination for the consignment, said the source, adding: “The same aircraft also flies the domestic route to some other airports. The role of a larger network cannot be ruled out. Investigators are examining whether the consignment was intended to be retrieved at another airport.”Officials added that soaring gold prices continue to make smuggling lucrative, as illegal imports help buyers evade customs duties and earn substantial margins.No arrests have been made so far. Customs officials seized the gold under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and further investigations are under way to identify those behind the operation.
