Lusaka, Zambia:
Zambian customs officials said on Saturday that they had arrested an Indian national who had tried to smuggle more than $ 2 million (RS 17.07.74.505) in cash and gold worth the most important airport in the country.
The 27-year-old was on his way to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates when his attempt was thwarted by a multi-agency team on the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, said the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC).
He was intercepted by $ 2,320,000 in cash and seven pieces of what they suspected as gold appreciated at $ 500,000, the agency said in a statement.
Images shared by Zambian media showed piles of $ 100 bills that were held together with rubber bands. The money was packed in a black bag, which was then placed in a larger polypropylene case.
“Research into the case is underway,” said Dec, warning “those involved in transnational crimes that the long arm of the law will soon catch up”.
The South African country has abundant reserves minerals, including copper and gold. But the economy is impoverished and more than 60 percent of the population lives in poverty, according to the World Bank.
In 2023, five Egyptians were arrested in Zambia with a plane with weapons, 127 kilograms (280 pounds) gold and $ 5.7 million in cash.
They were released after officers of justice had dropped espionage costs against them.
(Except for the headline, this story was not edited by NDTV staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.)
