Authorities at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport apprehended a group of 14 Kenyan nationals among a total of 18 individuals accused of attempting to smuggle gold and diamonds.

This operation unfolded during routine security screenings conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday, leading to the discovery of substantial quantities of precious metals and gemstones. The investigation commenced on Tuesday when officers from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) noticed suspicious items concealed within a laptop belonging to a passenger en route to Bangkok, Thailand.

The immediate arrest of the passenger resulted in the case being transferred to the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) for further examination. During interrogations, authorities uncovered 2,147.20 carats of diamonds valued at approximately Sh73 million, for which the passenger is facing charges of contravening India's Customs Act. In the wake of this initial apprehension, customs officers heightened surveillance and subsequently detained 14 Kenyan nationals who had flown in from Nairobi.

On Wednesday, while interrogating the suspects, officials recovered melted gold bars and jewellery weighing a total of 2,741 grams, valued at an estimated Sh27.5 million. Reports indicate that the contraband was concealed in various articles of clothing, including undergarments and pockets. Additionally, authorities found an abandoned cache of 22-carat melted gold bars weighing 2,406 grams, with a worth of Sh24 million, at the airport.

The operation also led to the arrest of three additional passengers arriving from Dubai, who were caught attempting to smuggle 24-carat crude gold rhodium-plated rings and buttons, weighing 775 grams and valued at Sh9 million. These items were allegedly hidden within belt buckles and in the compartments of their trolley bags. This incident underscores a growing trend of gold smuggling into India, prompting authorities to adopt stricter enforcement measures to combat illicit trade.

Notably, Kenyan nationals have increasingly become associated with such activities, prompting law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant in their efforts to dismantle smuggling networks operating between Africa and Asia.