Amid concerns over Customs Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) withholding seized items data at Pune Airport, The Free Press Journal reached out to officials for clarification. Superintendent Biji Santosh of the Customs AIU addressed the rumours, stating, “Contrary to speculation, we have been transparent with anti-smuggling data. In the past month alone, we've dealt with three distinct cases of smuggling at Pune International Airport."
Detailing the incidents, Santosh explained, “In the first case on January 11, a passenger arriving from Dubai was intercepted for routine checks, revealing a 24k gold belt buckle weighing 150 grams, valued at ₹9.64 lakh."
He continued, “Similarly, on January 14, a female traveller from Dubai was found with raw gold bangles, a pendant, and other contraband items totalling ₹11.28 lakh. Lastly, on January 20, another passenger arriving from Dubai was caught with gold paste cleverly concealed in his underwear, weighing 1,356 grams and worth ₹73.28 lakh."
Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke highlighted the airport's stringent surveillance measures, stating, “With passenger traffic projected to reach 9 million in 2024, our CCTV surveillance covers the entire airport, enabling thorough scrutiny of arriving passengers and potential smuggling activities." He added, “While we maintain robust security protocols, we are continually enhancing measures to deter suspicious and illegal activities at the airport."
