THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The former PRO of UAE Consulate taken into custody for smuggling gold worth 15 crore via diplomatic baggage has been taken to Kochi. Whether gold has been smuggled via parcel earlier will be probed. The arrest of the former PRO will be registered after detailed investigation.

Gold of 35 kilos (4375 sovereigns) worth 15 crore were seized from the air cargo consignment addressed to the Consular General of the United Arab Emirates. The gold was concealed in cylindrical form inside pipes, faucets and an air-compressor.

An official representative came to receive the consignment. The confusion in providing documents made the customs officials suspicious. The gold was found when customs commissioner examined the luggage after contacting the foreign ministry in Delhi.