FROGMEN SEEK CONTRABAND

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28620, 24 June 1958, Page 11

FROGMEN SEEK CONTRABAND

Indian Customs Campaign (By a Reuter Correspondent) AHMEDABAD. Indian customs men are using frogmen to beat smugglers in a treasure hunt in the Arabian Sea, off the 200-mile coast of Saurashtra. The search follows the detention of two Arab dhows which were found to have secret cavities believed to be used for gold smuggling. As the cavities were empty, Customs authorities suspect that the contraband has been dumped in shallow waters to save ir from search parties, and that the smugglers will now try to retrieve it. Gold and diamonds worth £112.000 have already been found on the sea bed near Porbandar. This haul included 197 gold bars, 2339 gold sovereigns, and hundreds of uncut diamonds, sewn up in a sack. Now customs authorities have employed more frogmen and intensified their search. They have cordoned off Okha port, the biggest port in Saurashtra, to curb! smuggling activities and a watch is being kept along the coast to prevent smugglers from reaching their underwater dumps. Gold smuggling has become a regular trade for small Arab fishing vessels and motor launches since the price of gold in India rose higher than in neighbouring countries. Four Arab motor vessels de-

tained last November were taken to pieces systematically by the customs authorities, who found £400,000 worth of gold hidden in secret cavities.

Gold smuggling is so profitable that three Arab nationals arrested on charges of smuggling gold, diamonds and pearls were prepared to forgo £15,000 in bail to escape being sentenced to terms of imprisonment. Just before their case came up before a Bombay magistrate. they jumped bail and sailed for Arabia.