An Air India Express flight cabin crew was arrested on Wednesday by the Air Intelligence Unit of the Customs department for allegedly smuggling over 1.4 kg gold through Cochin International Airport in Kochi, reported ANI.
The airline has confirmed the arrest and said that the accused, identified as Shafi, has been placed on suspension with immediate effect.
Acting on a tip-off, Customs Preventive Commissionerate nabbed Shafi, Wayanad resident and cabin crew member of the Bahrain-Kozhikode-Kochi service, and recovered 1.487 grams of gold from him. Officials said that he was carrying gold wrapped around his hands inside his shirt’s sleeves and planned pass through the green channel.
“A member of the crew on an Air India Express flight IX 474 has been taken into custody following an incident involving smuggling. The said individual has been placed on suspension with immediate effect,” the airline’s statement read.
“Air India Express has zero tolerance for such behaviour and will be taking stern action against the individual including termination of service following receipt of the report from the investigative authorities,” it added.