Customs officials seize 52K cigarettes

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: In a significant bust, Air Intelligence officials of Bengaluru Customs have seized a staggering 52,000 foreign cigarettes of the Gold Flake brand at Kempegowda International Airport.

The operation took place following meticulous passenger profiling by the customs officials. The seizure occurred during a routine inspection when AI officials identified and apprehended a passenger attempting to smuggle a large quantity of cigarettes into the country.

The contraband was cleverly concealed within the passenger's bag and trolley bag, amounting to a total of 260 packs, or 52,000 individual cigarettes. The operation highlights the ongoing efforts by Bengaluru Customs to curb the smuggling of illegal goods into India.

The use of passenger profiling and targeted inspections has proven effective in identifying and intercepting contraband, ensuring the enforcement of import regulations and the protection of domestic markets.

The incident at Kempegowda International Airport underscores the importance of vigilance and rigorous inspection protocols in airports. The successful interception of the smuggled cigarettes not only prevents illegal products from entering the market but also protects public health and revenue.