An employee of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been arrested in the case of 16 kilogrammes of gold seized from the luggage of a Dubai-bound passenger at Multan airport.
On Friday, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) immigration authorities at the Multan airport had thwarted a significant gold smuggling attempt in one of the biggest actions by the FIA in history. They seized a staggering 16kg of gold from the luggage of a passenger bound for Dubai.
Muhammad Tanveer intended to fly to Dubai via Fly Dubai flight FZ-340. Upon presenting his passport at the immigration counter, he aroused suspicion during immigration clearance when he failed to provide satisfactory answers to the authorities' inquiries.
Being a frequent traveller to the Emirati city prompted a thorough examination of his belongings, where the illicit gold, in 10 bricks of varying weights, was discovered concealed within secret compartments of his bag. His luggage was checked after being cleared by all the agencies concerned.
Investigators then widened the scope of their inquiry, focusing not only on Tanveer, but also on potential accomplices and supporters involved in the scheme. The suspect was handed over to the FIA Multan Composite Circle for further investigation.
In a dramatic turn of events, the FIA Composite Circle arrested CAA employee Saeed Ahmed, who was performing airport service duty as head staff. He had facilitated the passage of the gold to the international departure lounge, where it was then handed over to Tanveer.
Saeed Ahmed was arrested on the identification of the previously arrested Tanveer.
"This is a significant victory in our ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and uphold the rule of law," remarked an FIA official involved in the operation. "We remain committed to rooting out such illicit activities and holding those involved accountable."
