Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Dec 16: Customs officials have always been vigilant about passengers bringing gold and gold ornaments concealed in different ways. The customs officials have now begun to keep check on the iPhones being brought into the country by passengers.

Currently, men coming from a foreign country can bring 20 grams of gold while the women can bring 40 grams. In case more value items are brought they are subject to payment of customs duty or face legal action. The fact that the officials have now begun a thorough check about people possessing high value iPhones has become a headache for many.

Recently, a passenger had bought a costly iPhone in the city. He travelled to Dubai. When he was returning, the customs officials questioned him in detail. The passenger in question got angry but the customs officials reportedly have directions to check mobile phones costing over Rs 50,000.

Those bringing in costly iPhones have to get their phone released by paying 35 percent customs duty. Otherwise, they can surrender their phones for a certain number of days and then collect it when going back, the officials say.