KOCHI: A recent report claimed that cargo and courier agencies, along with a section of the customs and the gold mafia, have intensified gold smuggling into the state through airports and ports. The smuggling of gold into the state comes amid an ongoing probe by central agencies.

It is learnt that two officers, who inspect parcels arriving by courier cargo at Kochi International Airport, receive Rs 1.60 lakh daily for facilitating smuggling. The monthly bribe received by some of their top officials is even more shocking. As many as 1400 boxes of parcels delivered by courier cargo at the airport are subjected to X-ray inspection in six hours. The officials receive the monthly bribe for giving clearance to the boxes after conducting an inspection just for namesake.

If the boxes are closely inspected, the clearance will be delayed and smuggled gold will be seized. Six months ago, smuggled gold was continuously seized under the leadership of the superintendent, who did not surrender to the mafia.

Recently, the DRI had seized Rs 7.5 crore worth of gold hidden in a fridge in a container at Kochi port. The smuggling was carried out using a loophole that was used by expatriates to bring used goods from abroad. Unaccompanied baggage requires a copy of the passport. A passenger can get Rs 2,000 if he gives a copy of his passport to the mafia. The gold mafia will pay the full rent and clearance charge for the container. All they need is a place to send a fridge, washing machine, or any other household appliance. Gold will be hidden inside it. The rest of the container can be bought for 6.5 dirhams per kilo and the cargo agencies can make a profit by sending ordinary parcels. The rate for air cargo is 14 dirhams per kg.