A couple from Rajasthan was detained at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Friday for allegedly attempting to smuggle two high-end watches worth approximately Rs 13 crore from Dubai, officials from the Customs Department revealed on Sunday.
The seized items were an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and a Richard Mille watch, luxury timepieces often worn by billionaires and celebrities. The watches were confiscated from both the man and the woman, who had arrived separately from Dubai.
According to officials, one of the officers noticed the woman wearing one of the expensive watches upon her arrival. When questioned, she claimed the watch was a gift from her husband. However, when asked about her husband’s location, she stated that he was arriving on a separate flight.
The woman’s husband was apprehended as he tried to exit the airport. Initially, he claimed the watch was his and valued it at around Rs 1,000. However, when asked for a bill or proof of purchase, he failed to provide one.
Upon searching his belongings, authorities discovered the case for the watch. The man then admitted to attempting to smuggle the item into the country, officials said.
Both individuals were detained for further questioning. They identified themselves as residents of Pratapgarh in Rajasthan and claimed they had been instructed to travel to Dubai to bring the watches to Ahmedabad.
The authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the matter.
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