The Goa Crime Branch has foiled an alleged gold smuggling attempt and seized around 1.3 kg of liquid gold valued at nearly ₹1.5 crore during an operation at Sukhe Kulan in Dhargal. Two persons were arrested in connection with the case.
According to police, the operation was carried out based on specific intelligence by a Crime Branch team led by Police Inspector Nikhil Palekar. Acting on the information, officers intercepted two suspects and recovered the concealed liquid gold.
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The arrested accused have been identified as Hassan and Muhammed, both residents of Kasaragod district in Kerala.
Investigators said the consignment was allegedly smuggled into India from Dubai by a man identified as Niyaz, who arrived in Goa on a Qatar Airways flight. Police suspect the gold was meant to be handed over to Hassan and Muhammed after another accused, Khunhi, allegedly travelled from Kerala to receive the consignment.
The liquid gold was reportedly hidden inside specially stitched compartments in the suspects’ clothing to evade detection during transit.
The Crime Branch has launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the source of the gold, identify others involved in the alleged smuggling network and determine whether similar consignments had previously entered the state.
Officials are also examining international and interstate links behind the operation. Further arrests have not been ruled out as investigators continue to question the accused and gather evidence.
