Sharjah: An Indian expatriate was arrested at Sharjah International Airport while attempting to smuggle out eight 24-carat gold chips weighing a total of 80 grams (each bar weighed 10 grams).
Customs officers at the airport intercepted the suspect while he was on his way out of the country. The accused was travelling to India, according to a Sharjah Police spokesperson.
He was arrested as he had not declared the consignment of gold to the airport authorities.
The police alleged that the suspect, identified as F.Sh.M., had tried to slip through the airport by concealing the gold bars in his body. The suspect planned to smuggle the gold to avoid paying taxes in India.
India is the world's biggest consumer of bullion. In January last year, the Indian government raised import duties on gold and silvert o cool demand from jewellery buyers and investors.
Sharjah Police warned residents and visitors not to resort to such illegal activities which contravene laws in their countries.
Sharjah Police also urged all community members to cooperate with security agencies and report any suspicious acts or crimes on 999 or 06 5632222 or the toll-free number Najeedt 800 151 or via SMS on 7999 or www.shjpolice.gov.ae/najeed
