The Customs department’s Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) arrested a passenger at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) for attempting to smuggle antique gold and silver coins into the country from London. The accused arrived on Virgin Atlantic flight VS-354 and was intercepted while passing through the green channel based on specific intelligence. During a search of his trolley bag, officials found several antique coins concealed inside.
The seized items include a 12.37-gram gold Mohur of the East India Company’s Bengal Presidency from the Murshidabad Mint, issued in the name of Mughal emperor Shah Alam II (AH 1202/RY 19). Officials also seized an 8 gram gold coin from the ancient Kushan Empire, identified as a Huvishka Gold Dinar, and an 11.44-gram silver rupee from the Mughal period, issued during the reign of Emperor Jahangir, featuring the zodiac sign Cancer and minted at Ahmedabad.
Customs officials said investigations are underway to determine the source of the antique coins.
Between February 4 and 10, the AIU intercepted several passengers at CSMIA and seized gold, diamonds, foreign currency and narcotics in multiple cases. In one instance, 104 grams of 24-carat gold valued at ₹15.24 lakh was seized from a passenger intercepted through spot profiling. In another case, officials seized 246.75 carats of natural and lab-grown diamonds worth ₹38.28 lakh from a passenger.
In a separate operation, three passengers were intercepted with foreign currency equivalent to ₹69.78 lakh. The AIU also seized 13.256 kg of hydroponic weed valued at ₹13 crore from seven passengers arriving from Bangkok in separate cases. The accused were arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Manish Kumar Pathak is a dedicated journalist reporting for The Indian Express from Mumbai. His work demonstrates substantial Expertise and Authority across the complex field of crime reporting, with a strong focus on law enforcement actions, fraud, and cyber security challenges facing the metropolitan region.
Expertise & Authority
Affiliation: Reports for the nationally recognized daily, The Indian Express, providing his content with high Trustworthiness.
Geographical Focus: Provides comprehensive, ground-level coverage of breaking news and investigative matters across Mumbai and the surrounding regions (e.g., Thane, Vasai).
Core Authority: His reporting portfolio highlights deep Expertise in crucial beats, including:
Cyber & Financial Crime: Extensive coverage of sophisticated scams, including cases involving high-value cyber fraud, stock market manipulation scams, and fraudsters using government figures to gain trust.
Law Enforcement & Investigation: Reports directly on major police actions, including arrests made by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in fraud cases (e.g., MHADA flat scams) and detailed coverage of murder and kidnapping investigations.
Major Incidents & Public Safety: Covers significant incidents like building collapses, road accidents, and public safety issues such as theft at large public events.
Defence & Maritime: Also covers key updates regarding the Indian Navy, including the commissioning of new vessels and strategic defense announcements.
Manish Kumar Pathak's consistent focus on crime, fraud, and the workings of the Mumbai police system establishes him as a trusted and authoritative source for critical news in Western India. ... Read More
