Mumbai Airport Officials Seize ₹4.93 Crore in Smuggled Synthetic Diamonds

A passenger attempting to smuggle synthetic diamonds to Bangkok was apprehended at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, leading to further investigations into a potential smuggling network.

CISF personnel at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport intercepted a passenger carrying synthetic diamonds worth ₹4.93 crore concealed in a laptop and trolley bag.
The passenger, identified as Bharatbhai Govindbhai Nathani, was en route to Bangkok on February 12, 2025, when the diamonds were discovered during security screening.
The diamonds, weighing 2147.20 carats, were hidden in 26 small plastic pouches inside the laptop battery compartment and additional pouches in the trolley bag.
The passenger admitted to smuggling the diamonds for monetary benefits and claimed they belonged to a friend; he lacked legal documentation for the goods.
Customs officials suspect the involvement of a larger smuggling syndicate and are conducting investigations to identify and apprehend accomplices.