November 8, 2024, New Delhi: In a significant bust at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, New Delhi, Customs officials intercepted a passenger arriving from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, who was attempting to smuggle gold into India. The passenger was profiled based on intelligence inputs, leading to a search of their baggage, which resulted in the recovery of four gold bars weighing a total of 408 grams. The gold was cleverly concealed inside a milk powder box. Acting on profiling and prior intelligence, Customs officials at IGI Airport singled out the passenger arriving from Riyadh for further inspection. The individual’s suspicious behavior prompted a thorough search of their baggage.
During the search, Customs officials discovered the gold bars hidden inside a box of milk powder. The ingenuity of the concealment method raised immediate concerns. The gold bars, two of which were concealed within the milk powder box, were carefully packed to avoid detection by routine scanning equipment. A total of four gold bars were recovered, each of which weighed approximately 102 grams, bringing the total weight to 408 grams. The gold is valued at approximately ₹25-30 lakh (Indian Rupees), depending on the prevailing market rate.
The passenger, whose identity is yet to be disclosed, was immediately taken into custody for questioning. A case has been registered under the Customs Act, 1962, and further investigation is underway. Officials are examining the passenger’s travel history and potential connections to international gold smuggling networks. The incident is part of a growing trend of gold smuggling at major international airports, with smugglers using increasingly sophisticated methods to bypass security checks. Over the past year, Indian Customs has ramped up surveillance and profiling techniques to curb such illegal activities.
A spokesperson for the Customs Department at IGI Airport confirmed the seizure, stating, “This is a significant recovery, and it reflects our continued vigilance in detecting attempts to smuggle gold into the country. We are committed to enforcing the law and preventing the illegal trade of precious metals.”
If convicted, the passenger could face serious legal consequences under the Customs Act, 1962, which includes penalties, confiscation of goods, and potentially imprisonment. Smuggling gold is a serious offense, especially given its implications on revenue loss for the Indian government and the rising black-market trade.
The recovery of the gold highlights the challenges faced by authorities in detecting smuggled items despite advancements in security technology. The use of common household items like milk powder boxes as decoys underscores the need for continual upgrades in detection techniques to counter increasingly creative methods used by smugglers.
Indian Customs officials at IGI Airport have been on high alert, conducting intensive checks on both passengers and cargo. This latest interception showcases the department’s effectiveness in combating cross-border smuggling operations and upholding national security.
The interception of the gold smuggler at IGI Airport serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by Indian authorities to crack down on illegal gold imports. With the ongoing investigation, authorities aim to uncover more details about the smuggling network and strengthen security measures to prevent future incidents.
Author: VS NEWS DESK
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