Several steps taken by government to check gold smuggling: Jayant Sinha

NEW DELHI: Several initiatives have been taken by the government to check gold smuggling, including regular rummaging of aircrafts and scanning of passenger baggages to detect concealment, Parliament was informed today.

The government has taken several initiatives to check the increase in gold smuggling, Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha.

"Sophisticated door frame metal detectors, hand held metal detectors and X-rays baggage machines are provided to detect gold smuggling. Regular rummaging of aircrafts, scanning of passenger baggage are done thoroughly to detect concealment," he added.

Sinha said arrests and prosecution under Customs Act and action under COFEPOSA are also initiated against the accused persons in deserving cases.

In 2014-15, there were 169 gold seizure cases. The value of the gold seized was Rs 274.8 crore.

On initiatives to stop gold smuggling at the sea route connecting Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu, Sinha said "sources" are regularly contacted and patrolling is being conducted along the coastal areas.

"Further, actionable intelligence is shared with agencies like coast guard, IB, state police to check any untoward movement of persons or goods in the sea route connecting Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu," he added.