Gold Smuggling Foiled At Delhi Airport: Five Arrested, Seized Gold Worth Rs. 3.43 Crore

In a series of swift operations, the Air Customs at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi apprehended five Indian nationals attempting to smuggle gold.

Concealing a total of 6522 grams of gold, worth Rs. 3.43 crore, in various ways, the suspects were taken into custody as part of an intensified effort to curb smuggling.

“AirCustoms@IGIA have booked 3 separate cases of smuggling after 6522 gms of gold concealed by 5 pax in their clothes & rectum were recovered and seized. Value of seized gold is Rs. 3.43 Cr Further investigations are on,” the Delhi Customs (Airport and General) posted on X.

Smuggling Cases Uncovered:

In a determined effort against gold smuggling, Delhi’s Airport Customs officers intervened on August 13, intercepting three separate cases.

A total of five passengers, arriving from Abu Dhabi and Dubai on Etihad Airways and Indigo Airlines flights, were found attempting to smuggle gold.

The concealed gold was discovered both on their persons and in one case, even hidden within a passenger’s rectum.

The seized gold is subject to the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, with three passengers placed under arrest as part of the ongoing investigation under section 104 of the Act.

Innovative Modus Operandi:

In a separate incident, officials successfully thwarted another smuggling attempt involving eight Uzbekistan nationals.

Concealing gold valued at Rs. 2.92 crore in baggage trolleys, the arrested individuals were profiled based on intelligence inputs.

The officials revealed that concealing gold in baggage trolleys at the airport has emerged as a new modus operandi for smugglers.

Continued Vigilance:
As the battle against smuggling continues, the customs officials remain committed to upholding security measures.

The detained individuals, including Uzbekistan nationals, are being investigated for their roles in the smuggling operations, with authorities focused on determining the destination of the smuggled gold.

The vigilant efforts of the Air Customs at Indira Gandhi International Airport have resulted in the interception and arrest of individuals involved in gold smuggling.

The seizures underline the dedication of customs officials in safeguarding against unlawful activities and sustaining security at the airport.