SHANKHUMMUGAM: Central authorities suspect that employing foreign women in gold smuggling may be linked to human trafficking, as those unable to pay are allegedly coerced into smuggling gold.

Recently, Air Customs and DRI apprehended ten Sri Lankan women attempting to smuggle gold at Thiruvananthapuram airport. They were granted bail due to possessing only a small amount of gold. The ongoing investigation has been entrusted to Air Customs.

A network of informants is actively providing accurate information on smuggling networks. There's a proposal to offer increased compensation to those who supply more information about gold smuggling activities involving foreigners. Currently, one kilogram of gold fetches Rs 50,000. The intention is to reward more generously those who provide comprehensive details about gold smuggling operations and incidents related to foreign people. If the information proves reliable, the informant's reward will be tax-free cash accompanied by an official certificate from the central government.

The agency will discreetly deliver the reward to the informant's location. Government employees are encouraged to utilize their authority to apprehend smuggling rings and transfer them to central agencies.