Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has witnessed a notable increase in gold smuggling activities over the past five years, with authorities confiscating a significant 147.78 kilograms of gold in connection with 188 registered cases. The last six months alone saw 18.1 kilograms of gold seized, along with Rs 15 crore in black money. This year has seen a sharp rise in smuggling cases, with 26 instances already recorded, compared to only two cases five years ago. In 2022, 48.73 kilograms of gold were seized in 61 cases, while 79.99 kilograms were confiscated in 98 cases in earlier years.
Malappuram district stands out with the highest number of gold smuggling seizures and related case registrations, while no cases have been reported at Thiruvananthapuram airport over the past five years. Ernakulam district recorded just one case during this span of time period. Concerns have been raised over the efficiency of law enforcement, with accusations aimed at customs and senior police officials for allegedly failing to intercept the smuggling network.
Although black money transactions have not been recorded in South and Central Kerala, northern districts like Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Kasaragod have seen seizures of Rs 15.07 crore this particular year. This is part of a rising trend, with Rs 35.57 crore confiscated in 2022 and Rs 38.71 crore in 2023.
