In a shocking incident, a Kenyan man has been held at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport in New Delhi for attempting to smuggle 7 kg of gold bars worth Rs 3.5 crore. The accused had hidden the gold in an ailing infant's oxygen concentrator in an attempt to evade detection.
The accused has been identified as Peter Kiptoo, a Kenyan national who arrived in Delhi from Nairobi on an Ethiopian Airlines flight. According to sources, Kiptoo was intercepted by customs officials who became suspicious due to his behavior. Upon questioning, he provided vague and evasive answers which increased the officials' suspicions.
Upon further examination, officials discovered a small oxygen concentrator in Kiptoo's hand luggage which had an ailing infant's oxygen mask attached to it. Upon closer inspection, officials found seven gold bars weighing a total of 7 kg hidden inside the oxygen concentrator.
Kiptoo's actions were not only illegal but also inhuman as he had risked the life of an ailing infant by hiding gold in their oxygen concentrator. The oxygen concentrator is a critical medical device required for the child's well-being, and any tampering with it could have endangered the infant's life.
The officials immediately arrested Kiptoo and took him into custody. The infant was safely handed over to the medical staff, and the gold bars were confiscated. The estimated value of the gold is Rs 3.5 crore, making it a significant seizure by the customs officials.
Kiptoo is currently being investigated to determine his involvement in other gold smuggling cases. Sources suggest that he may be part of a larger racket involved in smuggling gold from African countries to India. Kiptoo used an elaborate and dangerous method of smuggling gold, which shows the extent to which these criminals will go to evade detection.
The use of infants and medical equipment for smuggling activities is not new. It is a despicable and inhuman act that not only endangers the lives of innocent people but also puts at risk critical and life-saving medical equipment.
The officials have urged airlines to conduct strict checks on passengers and their luggage to prevent such incidents from recurring. The use of advanced technological devices such as x-ray machines and scanners have proven to be effective in detecting illegal activities, and the authorities have urged more airports to adopt these measures.
In conclusion, the arrest of Kiptoo and the seizure of the gold bars is a significant victory for the customs officials in their ongoing fight against gold smuggling. It highlights the extent to which smugglers will go to earn illegal profits, including exposing innocent lives to danger. The authorities must continue their efforts to crack down on smuggling rackets and deter others from engaging in such activities, ensuring the safety and security of innocent people.