Afghan ambassador Zakia Wardak resigns after being caught with 25 kg gold at Mumbai airport

Gold smuggling news: A team of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Zakia Wardak from Mumbai airport on charges of smuggling 25 kg of gold from Dubai.

The gold was hidden in the jacket, leggings, neckcap and belt worn by Zakia. Gold worth Rs 18.6 crore was seized during the search operation. This action caused a stir.

DRI officials had received information about gold smuggling on April 25. Zakia came to Mumbai with her son by flight from Dubai at 5.45 pm. She had five trolley bags, one handbag, one sling bag and one neck pillow. They were passing through the green channel. Nothing suspicious was found in the search of his luggage. However, after some time DRI officials inquired whether he had any gold. Then both of them refused.

Due to this, a female officer took Zakia to a separate room for physical examination. At that time, gold rods were found hidden in Zakia’s jacket, leggings, knee cap and waist belt. He was asked to produce documents regarding this gold. But he did not have any documents. Therefore the officer confiscated this gold. A case of gold smuggling was registered against him under the Customs Act, 1962.

After being caught at Mumbai airport, Zakian shared the resignation letter along with a statement in English on his official X handle. In this case, Zakia Wardak said that she is shocked and worried that she has been accused of gold smuggling. This matter needs a thorough investigation.