Another Indian caught smuggling 362 diamonds through HCMC airport

By Quoc Thang October 30, 2024 | 04:53 pm PT

Bags of diamonds are found hidden inside candy bags of an Indian man arriving at HCMC's Tan Son Nhat airport, Oct. 25, 2024. Photo courtesy of HCMC customs

Customs authorities at Ho Chi Minh's Tan Son Nhat International Airport have busted an Indian man attempting to smuggle 362 diamonds hidden inside candy boxes.

The incident occurred just days after another Indian national was caught trying to smuggle over 700 diamonds through the same airport.

The second man had arrived in HCMC from Hong Kong on Oct. 25 when airport scanners flagged his luggage as suspicious.

A detailed inspection revealed 15 plastic bags filled with diamonds concealed within two candy boxes.

This seizure follows a similar case on Oct. 23, when another Indian man was detained for attempting to smuggle diamonds inside metal boxes.

Authorities believe the cases are linked to an organized diamond smuggling ring that targets Tan Son Nhat airport, with the contraband intended for sale at shops in HCMC.

Officials are continuing their investigation.