Ahmedabad: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has nabbed one Navneet Jagdishbhai Makwana at SVPI Airport here for attempting to smuggle two packets of diamonds worth ₹3.53 crore, concealed in his rectum.

Makwana, who was unemployed and seeking work, was allegedly approached by a Surat-based diamond merchant named Ashok. The merchant offered him ₹20,000 in cash along with a return ticket in exchange for smuggling diamonds from Vietnam.

As per the details, DRI officials grew suspicious and searched Makwana upon his arrival from Vietnam. After intensive questioning, he admitted to concealing two packets of diamonds inside his body.

The DRI officers recovered the diamonds and assessed their value at ₹3,53,56,300. During interrogation, Makwana confessed that Ashok, the Surat-based diamond trader, had persuaded him to smuggle diamonds by offering ₹20,000 per trip along with travel expenses. The DRI has now launched an investigation into the Surat-based businessman.

Furthermore, another individual was nabbed on Wednesday after arriving from Thailand with precious diamonds hidden in his luggage, valued at around ₹3.5 crore.

Meanwhile, in another operation, the Customs department intercepted three individuals attempting to smuggle high-quality 24-carat gold. One of the smugglers had fastened 236 grams of gold, valued at ₹21.08 lakh, to his right knee. Another suspect, arriving from Jeddah, was found with 133 grams of gold concealed in his pocket. Meanwhile, a passenger from Bangkok was caught carrying 258 grams of gold. DeshGujarat