A large haul of gold sent in diplomatic baggage seized in Kerala

The Customs in Thiruvananthapuram on July 5 seized around 30 kg of gold from an air cargo.

According to the customs officials, the consignment had reached Thiruvananthapuram airport two days back and the officials confirmed the seizure on July 5. The parcel contained household items such as frames and door handles. The gold was concealed in the articles.

The Customs is yet to make a statement on record in this matter as smugglers used diplomatic channels to smuggle in the gold into the state. The investigators are also looking into the involvement of an IT employee of Kerala Government, Swapna Suresh, who is now absconding.

Generally, diplomatic baggage and consignments including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits were used to be delivered here through diplomatic channels. Normally, these consignments will not be subjected to detailed scrutiny as it was diplomatic baggage.