VASCO
In a significant security breach, a Canadian national, Kristina Lewis, was intercepted at Dabolim airport for carrying a prohibited GPS device in her hand baggage. The incident occurred on December 5 at approximately 7:30 PM during baggage screening at the Security Hold Area of the Domestic Terminal.
The CISF personnel stationed at the airport detected a GPS device, “GARMIN inReach MINI,” in the passenger’s belongings during a routine scan at X-BIS Machine No. 03. The accused, who was set to board Indigo Airlines flight 6E-885 from Goa to Kochi, failed to provide permission from the competent authority for carrying the device.
As per aviation security regulations outlined in the BCAS Addendum to AvSec Order No. 11/2024 dated October 30, 2024, such devices are prohibited in hand baggage. Following the discovery, the device was seized, and the passenger was handed over to the Dabolim Airport Police for further investigation.
A case has been registered under Section 6(1A) of the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and Section 20 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. A notice under Section 35(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure was also served to the accused.
The investigation is being led by PSI Prathamesh S. Palkar under the supervision of PI Arun Bhakre and the guidance of Mormugao DySP Gurudas Kadam.
