In a first-of-its-kind attempt of smuggling incident in the country, the customs officers at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport nabbed a Rajkot-based businessman and seized 6 kgs of Iridium, a rare chemical powder, worth nearly Rs30 lakh from his possession.
According to a source at the airport, customs officials nabbed the man on August 25 night when he was coming from Singapore. The source said that the Iridium powder was found in plastic boxes and pouches in his bag. He had almost crossed the customs clearance hurdle, but his nervous gesture sparked suspicion.
“There were around six to seven small boxes that contained the powder. When we enquired, he showed us a pouch saying that it was cheap and normal chemical substance, something similar to silver and sulphur powder. However, when we checked the bag we found more pouches and boxes containing powders that were not similar to the one he showed us,” said the source at the airport.
“We are sure that it is the rare Iridium powder and is worth around Rs30 lakh. But for confirmation, we have sent a sample to the laboratory outside the city. Reports are expected to come on Saturday,” the source said.
According to Professor SK Menon of the chemistry department of Gujarat University, Iridium is a rare element. Although it is not radio active, its isotopes are. It can be used for making bombs. These bombs do not explode but can send radiation which can harm human body.
Iridium is a hard, brittle, silvery-white transition metal of the platinum family. It is the second densest element and it is the most corrosion-resistant metal, even at temperatures as high as 2000 °C. The global demand for iridium in 2007 was 3,700 kg. It is mainly used in space craft satellite communication and some electronic industry.
A source said that one gram of Iridium costs nearly 100-150 US dollars in the international market. The arrested has been booked under section 77 of the Customs Act and has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days, said the source.
