Panaji: In a major smuggling crackdown, the Goa Crime Branch seized around 1.3 kg of liquid gold valued at approximately ₹1.5 crore and detained two men from Kerala during a late-night operation in North Goa.
The accused, Hassan Niyaz (35) and Muhammed Khunhi (57), both residents of Kasaragod district, were intercepted at Sukhe Kulan in Dhargal based on specific intelligence inputs. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (Crime) Rahul Gupta.
According to investigators, Niyaz had allegedly arrived in Goa from Dubai on a Qatar Airways flight carrying the smuggled liquid gold. Khunhi had travelled from Kasaragod to Margao by train before heading to Manohar International Airport, Mopa, where he allegedly received the consignment.
The duo was later intercepted while travelling together. During the search, Crime Branch officers recovered about 1.3 kg of liquid gold concealed in specially stitched compartments inside the banyans and undergarments worn by the accused.
The seized gold has an estimated market value of ₹1.5 crore. Following the operation, both accused and the recovered gold were handed over to Customs authorities at Mormugao for further investigation and legal action under the Customs Act and other applicable laws.
