India iPhone smugglers busted at airport with $135,000 in merchandise

Approximately 80 iPhones, valued at $134,900, were seized at the airport in Hyderabad, India, on June 24, 2021. The phones were being concealed in the checked-in luggage of two passengers, and an unspecified third person was also involved.

According to The Indian Express, the two passengers had flown in from Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates. Whether to leave their luggage for this third person to collect, or because they feared arrest, the two attempted to abandon their baggage and flee.

"The smuggled goods valued at [$134,900] were seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962," an official told The Indian Express. "Further, [$54,000] in cash was also seized from one of the above persons under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Further investigation is under progress."

The seized phones included iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max models. Officials say that the accused people were involved in organized smuggling, which attempts to evade paying fees on dutiable goods.

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