Customs officials at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar have busted a major smuggling attempt after seizing a large quantity of illegally imported cigarettes, once again bringing Amritsar airport cigarette smuggling into focus.
The seizure was made after two passengers arriving from Kuala Lumpur on AirAsia flight AK94 were intercepted based on profiling and intelligence inputs. During a detailed examination of their baggage, Customs officials recovered 67,600 cigarette sticks concealed inside luggage and personal belongings, pointing to a deliberate effort to evade detection and confirming Amritsar airport cigarette smuggling.
Intelligence-led interception at Amritsar airport
Officials said the passengers were stopped during routine surveillance after their travel pattern raised suspicion. On inspection, the cigarettes were found hidden among clothes and daily-use items. The tobacco products were imported into India without payment of mandatory customs duty, making the consignment illegal under existing laws and a clear violation linked to Amritsar airport cigarette smuggling.
The seized cigarettes are estimated to be worth around Rs 11.49 lakh in the domestic market. Following the recovery, Customs authorities immediately sealed the tobacco products under relevant provisions of the Customs Act and initiated legal proceedings against the passengers.
Authorities investigate possible smuggling network
The two passengers are currently being questioned to determine whether the incident is part of an organised smuggling racket. Investigators are also checking if similar attempts were made earlier using the same international route, as repeated incidents of Amritsar airport cigarette smuggling have raised concerns among enforcement agencies.
Customs officials stated that enhanced intelligence-sharing and passenger profiling have helped intercept multiple illegal import attempts at Indian airports in recent months. They reiterated that smuggling of undeclared goods results in revenue loss and attracts strict penal action.
Security agencies in Punjab have remained on alert amid several enforcement actions.
With Customs tightening surveillance, incidents like Amritsar airport cigarette smuggling highlight the importance of intelligence-based checks to curb illegal trade.
FAQs
Q: What is the Amritsar airport cigarette smuggling case?
A: It involves the seizure of 67,600 illegally imported cigarette sticks from two passengers arriving from Kuala Lumpur.
Q: How were the cigarettes seized in the Amritsar airport cigarette smuggling incident?
A: The passengers were intercepted based on intelligence inputs, and the cigarettes were found hidden inside their luggage.
Q: What is the value of the seized cigarettes?
A: The seized consignment is estimated to be worth Rs 11.49 lakh.
Q: Is an organised racket being investigated?
A: Yes, authorities are probing whether the Amritsar airport cigarette smuggling case is linked to a larger smuggling network.
