Kochi Airport: NRI protests after customs seizes iPhone 18 Pro

Ajas Mohammed, founder of the learning platform Eduport, staged a sit-in protest at Kochi’s Nedumbassery Airport after customs officials seized an iPhone 18 Pro he had purchased in Dubai. Mohammed claims the device was for personal use and challenged the demand for import duties, which he estimated to be between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000.

Mohammed alleged that officials insisted on the duty because he was already carrying another mobile phone. After he refused to pay the charges, the handset was seized. He further claimed that Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel forcibly removed him from the protest site.

The incident has sparked significant debate on social media among non-resident Indians (NRIs) regarding the enforcement of customs regulations and the treatment of returning passengers. Nedumbassery police have registered a case against Mohammed for allegedly interfering with the duties of customs officers. Mohammed stated he is working with lawyers to seek the return of the device.