Smuggler held with gold worth Rs 25 lakh at IGIA

A man was arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle gold worth about Rs 25 lakh into the country, at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) here.
The accused was intercepted by the customs officials yesterday after his arrival from Bangkok. On detailed examination of his baggage and personal search, a gold bar weighing one kg was recovered, a press release issued today by the customs said.
Only experienced officers whose integrity is absolutely
beyond doubt, should be posted as incharge of the valuable godown, the circular said.
"The strong rooms storing valuables should have a double lock system. The two keys for operating the strong room should be entrusted to two separate officers; one to the custodian and the other to a superior or supervisory officer of gazetted rank.

"It must be ensured that the strong room or valuables godown can be opened only when the two keys are used," the guidelines said.

No officer, including custodian-in-charge of the strong room shall be allowed to open the godown on any holiday (including Saturday and Sunday), except with a prior written permission from seniors. The reasons for opening on holidays shall be clearly recorded by the seniors while giving such permission, it said.
The strong rooms shall have additional security features like CCTV camera at the most vantage points to keep round the clock surveillance. Digital photograph or videograph of the packages (carrying valuables) shall also be taken and preserved in the computer of the custodian so that in the event of any tampering, it can be cross verified with the original packing, the CBEC said.

The custodian should take adequate precautions against theft and pilferage and keep watch on the condition of the goods and immediately report each such case. "The custodian shall also ensure that the packages are carefully stored and protected against the ravages of weather, ants, rodents, insects etc," the guidelines said.