Anand Mahindra, a businessman known for his social media presence, reacted to a video of a foiled smuggling attempt involving ‘pan masala’ sachets and $40,000 in cash at the Kolkata airport that recently went viral. As much as Mahindra admired the accused’s inventiveness, he wished he had used it for a “law-abiding” purpose.
“There is no shortage of innovative thinking and manufacturing in India. I just wish this gentleman’s creativity had been directed toward more productive—and law-abiding—goals!” Mahindra quoted the video in a tweet on Tuesday.
The incident involves the recovery of $40,000 worth over 32 lahks hidden inside hundreds of sealed ‘pan masala’ pouches. On Monday, a video surfaced on social media showing Customs officials at the Kolkata airport tearing the sachets with $10 bills sealed with transparent plastic and what appeared to be ‘pan masala’ powder inside.
The accused passenger attempted to fly to Bangkok, Thailand, with the money but was stopped by authorities in time. “AIU officials from Kolkata Customs intercepted a passenger on his way to Bangkok yesterday. “A search of his checked-in baggage resulted in the recovery of US $40O00 (worth over 32 lahks) hidden inside Gutkha pouches,” the Kolkata Customs Department tweeted.
