A Sudanese passenger was held by customs officials at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) at Shamshabad here today, after he was allegedly caught with 22 kg of sandalwood and sandalwood powder, official sources said.
According to statement from airport operator, GMR airport security staff found a bag containing some packets, after which it was found belonged to a passenger with a Republic of Sudan passport, travelling to Doha by a Qatar Airways flight.
He was called for physical verification, where he identified his baggage, GMR officials said.
While checking, it was noticed that the bag contained packed sandalwood pieces. After customs officials questioned the passenger, he declared himself to be a student and confessed that the bag was handed over to him by one of his friends.
He was also caught with a second bag containing sandalwood power packed in small pouches.
The combined weight of the sandalwood and sandalwood powder was around 22 kg.
Later, the airline offloaded the passenger and customs officials held him in their custody, the GMR release said.
