Mangaluru: The customs at Mangaluru International Airport has seized 1.16 kg of gold, foreign currency equivalent to Rs 3.47 lac and 129 cartons of foreign cigarettes during the month of January, 2016.

In one case detected by the Air Intelligence Unit, which was formed last month, five of 10 tola gold bars, totally weighing 583.250 grams and valued over 15.45 lac were recovered. The gold bars were concealed in the central core portion of steel type hot and cold water tap mixers brought in a carton by a passenger who arrived from Dubai.

In another case , airport customs sleuths seized 581 grams of gold valued over Rs 15.33 lac found concealed in the form of washers fixed to the lining of two stroller bags carried by a passenger, who arrived from Dubai.

In another case, foreign currency amounting to 18,500 UAE Dirhams equivalent to Rs 3,46,875 were seized from a passenger departing to Dubai, attempting to smuggle the same without proper documents.

Besides, 129 cartons of foreign cigarettes valued about Rs 2.04 lac were recovered and seized in five cases as they were devoid of statutory pictorial warning.

Further investigations are under progress.