Grey market dealers are reportedly trying to cash in on the hype of the latest iPhones by selling devices smuggled in from Hong Kong and Singapore. Customs officials at the Indira Gandhi International Airport have recently seized a large number of iPhones from a group of seven people. The new iPhones are allegedly selling in the grey markets for a hefty premium.
On apprehending the group, Vinayak Azaad, Additional Commissioner, Customs said, “We caught them on suspicion while they were trying to pass through the Green Channel. We found total 182 iPhones in their baggage and the items were immediately seized.” The men were not arrested, since they were not individually carrying goods worth over Rs. 20 lacs. According to Azaad, the customs officials are monitoring flights coming in from Singapore and Hong Kong. Smuggling in new iPhones from these countries is reportedly less expensive than from the US or Canada. “We just focus upon movements on these routes and when we found these men passing through the Green Channel, we got their baggage screened on suspicion,” he said.
Apple has generated a huge buzz with the launch of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, on September 9th. Anticipating the demand, grey market dealers have swung into action, smuggling the devices illegally. “These phones are yet to be launched in India and there is a segment of people who want to flaunt these before the phones are officially launched,” Azad further added. While the 16GB iPhone 6s carries a price tag of $649, it is being sold for Rs. 72,500 on eBay India. It seems that some impatient Apple enthusiasts are even willing to shell out more than a lakh for the iPhone 6s Plus.
The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus officially went on sale in 12 countries on September 25th. The launch date in India has been set for October 16, making it the fastest ever launch of iPhones in India. Apple will be hoping to take advantage of the Diwali festive season by launching the iPhones in October. The Cupertino-based tech giant reportedly aims to sell 12 lakh devices in India within the October-December quarter.
Source: PTI