Air Hostess Hides Nearly 1 kg Gold in Rectum, Smuggles it from Muscat to Kerala

In a shocking incident that underscores the lengths to which gold smugglers will go, an air hostess was arrested at Kannur Airport in Kerala for allegedly concealing nearly 1 kilogram of gold in her rectum. 

The arrest, which took place on May 28, highlights the ongoing battle against gold smuggling in India, particularly through air routes.

In shorts:

1. Air hostess smuggles nearly 1kg gold.

2. Concealed in rectum, caught at airport.

3. Identified as Surabhi Khatun, Air India Express.

4. Previously smuggled gold, reveals investigation.

5. Remanded to custody for 14 days.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended Surabhi Khatun, a cabin crew member working for Air India Express. 

She was on a flight from Muscat to Kannur when she was caught. 

Upon investigation, officials found approximately 960 grams of gold hidden in her rectum. 

The discovery was made during a thorough security check by DRI officials at Kannur Airport, who have been intensifying efforts to curb smuggling activities.

Smuggling gold by hiding it in body cavities is not new, but the audacity and risk involved in this method are significant. 

Surabhi Khatun's case is particularly notable due to the amount of gold she managed to conceal. 

According to sources from the DRI, this was not her first attempt; reports suggest that she had successfully smuggled gold on multiple occasions in the past. 

This points to a potentially larger network and highlights the increasing creativity and desperation of smugglers.

Following her arrest, Surabhi Khatun was produced before a magistrate and has been remanded to 14 days in custody. 

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities likely probing into her past activities and connections to larger smuggling operations. 

The DRI and other enforcement agencies will be keen to uncover how such operations are coordinated and who else might be involved.

Gold smuggling into India has been a persistent issue, driven by the high demand for gold and the significant price difference between international and domestic markets. 

Smugglers often resort to extreme measures to evade detection, taking advantage of routes and security loopholes. 

Airports, especially those with international flights, are prime targets for such activities.

The case of Surabhi Khatun is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by authorities in combating smuggling. 

It also underscores the need for stringent security measures and thorough checks, especially for airline staff who might exploit their positions to bypass standard protocols.

The arrest of Surabhi Khatun at Kannur Airport for smuggling nearly 1 kilogram of gold in her rectum is a vivid illustration of the ongoing fight against gold smuggling in India. 

As authorities continue their investigation, it is hoped that this case will shed light on the broader networks involved and lead to more effective strategies to prevent such illegal activities. 

The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the lengths to which individuals will go for profit and the critical role of vigilance in maintaining border security.