Law enforcement and border security authorities in Gujarat executed two major operations involving illegal gold transportation and unlawful medical practices. At Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the Customs Department intercepted four passengers arriving from Gulf countries and seized gold jewelry valued at ₹49,23,602. Concurrently, in Vadodara, local police apprehended a 45-year-old individual who had been illegally treating patients with allopathic medicines for nearly 15 years without possessing any valid medical qualification.
Major Customs Interception at Ahmedabad Airport
Customs officials stationed at Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport flagged four passengers based on targeted passenger profiling and behavioral tracking. Upon questioning and physical inspection, authorities discovered undeclared gold jewelry concealed within their belongings. The passengers had arrived on separate flights originating from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Kuwait. The total weight of the confiscated gold across all three cases stands at 299.490 grams. Laboratory analysis confirmed that 240.090 grams comprised 24-karat gold, while 59.400 grams comprised 22-karat gold, bringing the total assessed valuation to ₹49,23,602.
Breakdown of the Three Smuggling Cases
The Customs Air Intelligence Unit provided specific figures regarding each of the three interceptions carried out at the international terminal
- First Incident (Arrival from Abu Dhabi): A female passenger arriving from Abu Dhabi was intercepted at the customs hall. Inspection yielded two gold chains weighing 100.060 grams, carrying an estimated market value of ₹16,72,003.
- Second Incident (Arrival from Sharjah): A couple travelling from Sharjah was stopped for screening. Authorities recovered four gold bangles and two gold chains weighing a total of 140.030 grams, valued at ₹23,41,739.
- Third Incident (Arrival from Kuwait): Another female passenger arriving from Kuwait was intercepted. Search procedures led to the seizure of a gold necklace, two earrings, one ring, and a chain featuring a pendant, together valued at ₹9,09,860.
Official statements confirm that proceedings have been formally initiated under the statutory provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, with further investigations underway to determine broader logistical links.
Fake Doctor Operating for 15 Years Arrested in Vadodara
In a parallel law enforcement action in Vadodara, police uncovered a long-running medical fraud in the Akota area. Acting on intelligence received during routine patrolling regarding unauthorized medical care at Promila Clinic, located opposite the Akota Village Garden, a specialized team from LCB Zone-2 conducted a raid on the facility.
Police apprehended 45-year-old Biswajit Prafulla Haldar, a native of West Bengal. Investigations established that Haldar had studied only up to Class 10 and held no recognized medical degree or registration, despite administering allopathic treatments to local residents for approximately 15 years. A detailed search of the clinic led to the seizure of medical stock worth ₹1,19,849, including various pharmaceutical syrups, injections, tablets, topical tubes, ORS packets, and capsules. Police have registered a criminal case and taken the suspect into custody for further interrogation.
