2 crew members of UK-based airline held for gold smuggling

NEW DELHI: Two crew members of UK-based Virgin Atlantic airline have been arrested by DRI officials for allegedly trying to smuggle in gold valued about Rs 1.1 crore at international airport here.

The crew--a male and female--were intercepted by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials after their arrival here from London last week, official sources said here today.

The DRI officials found that the crew were allegedly carrying 4.2 kgs of gold. The gold was recovered and the crew members were arrested. They had arrived here from London on last Friday, they said.

The value of the seized gold is assessed to be Rs 1.17 crore, sources said.

DRI, the lead agency to check gold smuggling and customs duty frauds, has also written to the airline about the incident.

"A letter has been written by the DRI to the airline about the incident. They have been informed about the arrest of two of its crew members," an official said.

In past also some crew members of domestic and international airlines have been found involved in gold smuggling. There was no immediate reaction from the airline.