An NRI, who allegedly tried to smuggle 2.4 kg gold worth Rs 80 lakh, was arrested by Customs authorities at Rajiv Gandhi International (RGI) Airport at Shamshabad here.
The Customs officials intercepted Mohammed Abdul Mateen, who arrived here last evening by a flight from Saudi Arabia via Muscat.
After subjecting him to checking, it was found that he was carrying 2.4 kg yellow metal in the form of an ashtray which was gold electroplated with 98.5 per cent purity, Customs officials said.
Mateen, hailing from Hyderabad who works in Saudi Arabia, was subsequently arrested after recovery of the gold, they added.
