Overview
- The operation took place during the night shift of January 17–18 after targeted profiling and discreet surveillance at Mumbai’s international airport.
- Bangladeshi national Rakibur Rahaman arrived from Dubai en route to Dhaka and was seen handing capsules to AIASL contractual staffer B.R. Sakpal.
- Officers recovered four wax-sealed packets containing 1,590 grams of 24-carat gold dust from Sakpal, provisionally valued at Rs 2.15 crore.
- Customs said the handoff occurred near a departure-area washroom and identified the method as an insider-assisted transit scheme.
- Both men were arrested under Section 104 of the Customs Act after giving statements, and investigators are examining potential syndicate links and tightening airport surveillance.