NEW DELHI: An Indian couple who arrived from Vietnam were arrested after 45 guns worth Rs 22.5 lakhwere seized from their two trolley bags at IGI airport. The couple also admitted that they smuggled 25 pieces of guns in the past.
A custom official said, “Ballistics report will confirm whether the guns are real or not. But preliminary report said the guns can be used only after modifications.”
According to custom officials, a 41-year-old man and his 32-year-old wife landed at Delhi airport on Monday from Vietnam. The couple were accompanied by their six-month-old daughter.
However, when they had crossed the Green Channel of the arrival hall at the airport, they were intercepted by the Custom officials.
“The man was carrying two trolley bags, which were handed over to him by his elder brother, who had arrived from Paris on almost the same time as the couple. After handing over the two bags, the elder brother slipped out of the airport. However, the woman, who was active part of the plan, helped her husband in removing and destroying the tags of both the trolley bags containing 45 pieces of assorted brand guns,” said a custom official.
The official added that both passengers had admitted their previous indulgence in smuggling of 25 pieces of assorted brand guns from Turkey amounting to Rs 12.5 lakh. The total value of the offence amounts to Rs 35 lakh. “The trolley bags have been seized under the Customs Act and the couple has been placed under arrest. Their daughter has been handed over to their grandmother. Further investigation in the matter is under progress,” said an official.
