Based on  intelligence five passengersNouffar, 28, Ahamed Ershad Ali, 31, both of Ramanathapuram, Nandha Kumar,23, of Kanchipuram, Muruganandam Mohan, 38 of Chennai and Satham Usen, 25 of Puddukottai who arrived from Dubai by Air India Express Flight IX 1644 were intercepted at exit on suspicion of carrying gold. On search 16 gold cut bits (4  from each ) weighing 597 grams were recovered from their hand baggage and  two packets of gold paste were  also recovered from two of them(one each). On personal search, one gold paste packet  was found concealed in shoes beneath foot of one of  them and another  was recovered from jeans pocket . Total 4 gold paste packetswere recovered from which 701 grams of gold was extracted. Further, three  bundles of gold paste  weighing 428 grams were recovered from rectum of one of them which yielded  398 grams of gold.

1.7 kg gold of 24k purityvalued at Rs 87.62 lakhswas recovered andseized in five cases under Customs Act.

Further investigation is under process, according to a press release issued by the Commissioner of Customs Chennai International Airport.

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(Release ID: 1681972)