Malaysian held for smuggling diamonds worth Rs 2.25 crore

A 48-year-old Malaysian national arriving from Kuala Lumpur was arrested at the airport here on Saturday for allegedly smuggling diamonds worth Rs 2.25 crore, Customs officials said.

On a tip-off, the Air Intelligence Unit officers intercepted Azmal Khan Bin Nagor Mera while he was hurrying out of the Customs arrival hall and questioned him.

He gave evasive replies and was subjected to an intensive check.

The check yielded 10 bundles of diamonds - two in his inner wear and eight in a multi-function cooker in his baggage, the Customs Commissionerate said in a press release.

A government approved valuer certified the precious stones as diamonds of different cut, shapes, clarity, and colour totally weighing 2996 carat valued at Rs 2.25 crore, and they were seized. The Malaysian passenger was arrested.

Questioned on the intended recipient, the foreigner said he was directed to hand it over to an "unknown person" outside the airport, who would identify him and take the diamonds away.

Though the passenger was taken out of the airport under the discreet watch of officials, none approached him to receive the consignment, the release said.