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After three men employed with private firms working at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport were caught allegedly smuggling gold, Customs has issued orders banning lower-level workers inside the airport premises from using cell phones during work hours. Personal belongings of all employees are also being checked during entry and exit. Customs officers said the action had also been initiated against A2Z Cleaning Services, two of whose employees were caught smuggling nine-kg gold in the past two months.
More than 12 firms contracted with airport operator GVK operate in the premises, rendering services like waste management, retail, housekeeping, and maintaining the artwork in the new Terminal 2. Customs officers said they had also considered extending the ban to airline loaders and baggage handlers, but found the measure impractical.
“We have written to all the firms, and ordered that the lower-level staff should not carry cell phones during work hours. It helps them contact their handlers and plan gold smuggling operations,” said A P S Suri, Commissioner, Customs.
On May 8, a security guard at a Duty Free Shop was caught attempting to smuggle two gold bars worth Rs 51 lakh, while on May 4, Yuvraj Solanki, a cleaner employed with A2Z Cleaning Services, was caught smuggling four gold bars worth Rs 1.4 crore in his work overalls. His colleague, Ganpat Shinghade, was caught on April 2, having concealed five gold bars worth Rs 1.2 crore in his backpack while exiting the airport.
Following the last two seizures, Customs had called A2Z executives for the meeting two weeks ago. Now, however, Customs has written to GVK asking that the firm’s license be cancelled.
“When the second employee was caught, we knew we had to take action against them. We have recommended GVK to blacklist A2Z. The decision is now up to GVK,” Suri said.
A Customs official said the cell phone ban and increased checks have had the desired effect. “It will be difficult for lower-level staff to communicate with their handlers now. During discussions, we also thought of extending the ban to the firm maintaining the electricity supply as well. But, then they would find it very hard to communicate with their colleagues in other parts of the airport while working. Likewise, not allowing airport loaders and baggage handlers to keep their cell phones would also not be practical,” said the officer.
srinath.rao@expressindia.com
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