MALAPPURAM: A couple who tried to smuggle gold via Karipur airport has been held. The couple identified as Ameer Mon and Safna, natives of Malappuram Vazhikadavu, were caught while smuggling gold worth Rs one crore. Their child was also with them. The couple reached Karipur Airport last night by Air India Express from Jeddah.

The couple tried to smuggle the gold by hiding it in their undergarments. Customs officials said that Ameer and Safna were trying to smuggle gold by misusing the special treatment given to travellers arriving with their families. The couple was caught when the officials got suspicious about Safna's behaviour and conducted a search. 1104 grams of gold mixture was found from Safna.

Ameer tried to smuggle gold in capsule form. 2055 grams of gold was extracted from the gold mixture seized from the two. The customs officials said the smuggling team had promised them Rs 50,000. Customs has stated that action will be taken soon, including the arrest of the couple.