An Indian man is under police custody after he was caught with more than six kilogrammes of gold. The man was apprehended from Paro airport today. In a separate case, officials also discovered 250 grammes of gold from airline staff.
The 23-year-old man from India was caught trying to allegedly smuggle six kilogrammes of gold. Customs officials at the Paro Airport found the gold concealed inside the man’s jacket during a routine check. He had arrived from Bangkok on a morning flight. Two other passengers have also been detained for questioning but they are denying any involvement in the case.
According to the Customs Rules and Regulations of Bhutan 2017, a person travelling by air and returning to the country can carry with them gold including jewellery up to a maximum of 50 grammes.
And on Sunday, customs officials caught a 39-year-old woman, who works as a cabin crew member for Drukair, with 250 grammes of gold. The woman was returning from Bangkok when she was stopped by customs officials at Paro Airport. The woman has been released on bail but the case is under investigation by the police.
The Customs Rules and Regulations of Bhutan 2017 state that aircrew members are not allowed to carry gold including jewellery as baggage.
Namgay Wangchuk, Paro
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen