Delhi Customs officials recently intercepted an Air India passenger attempting to smuggle gold worth approximately ₹20 lakh into India. The incident occurred at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb illicit gold trafficking.
Key Takeaways
- An Air India passenger was caught with 170 grams of gold.
- The gold was concealed within a plastic water bottle cap.
- The estimated value of the seized gold is ₹20 lakh.
- Customs officials intercepted the passenger after discreet surveillance.
Ingenious Concealment at Delhi Airport
The passenger, arriving from Dubai on October 25, tried to bypass customs checks by using the green channel. This channel is specifically for travelers who have no dutiable or prohibited goods to declare. However, customs officials had been tracking the individual from the moment they disembarked the flight.
Surveillance began at the flight gate. Officers then intercepted the passenger as they attempted to exit through the green channel. This proactive approach proved crucial in preventing the smuggled goods from entering the country undetected.
"The passenger was discreetly followed from the flight gate and intercepted while attempting to exit through the green channel. During the X-ray screening of his baggage, officers noticed suspicious images."
Quick Fact
The green channel at airports is designed for passengers with nothing to declare, making it a common target for smugglers hoping to avoid scrutiny.
Discovery During Baggage Screening
During a routine X-ray screening of the passenger's luggage, customs officers identified unusual images that raised their suspicions. This led to a more thorough physical examination of the bags. The search eventually revealed the cleverly hidden gold.
The illicit gold, weighing 170 grams, was found concealed under the cap of a plastic water bottle. This method of concealment demonstrated an attempt to avoid detection during standard inspections. The value of this quantity of gold is estimated to be around ₹20 lakh based on current market prices.
Details of the Seizure
- Weight of gold: 170 grams
- Concealment method: Under a plastic water bottle cap
- Estimated value: Approximately ₹20 lakh
- Legal action: Gold seized under the Customs Act, 1962
Further investigation into this incident is now underway. Authorities aim to uncover any larger network or individuals involved in this smuggling attempt.
Context on Gold Smuggling
Gold smuggling has seen a recent surge in India, often linked to price disparities between international markets and domestic rates, especially before major festivals when demand for gold increases. This makes it an attractive venture for those looking to profit illegally.
A Pattern of Interceptions
This incident was not isolated. It occurred just one day after another significant gold smuggling attempt was thwarted at the same airport. On October 24, Delhi Customs officials intercepted a female passenger arriving from Yangon, Myanmar.
In that separate case, a search of the passenger's luggage revealed six gold bars. These bars collectively weighed 997.5 grams. These back-to-back seizures underscore the constant vigilance required by customs authorities at major international airports.
The consistent interception of such attempts highlights the effectiveness of intelligence gathering and advanced screening technologies employed by Delhi Customs. The rise in gold prices, particularly ahead of festive seasons, often correlates with increased smuggling activities. Officials remain on high alert to combat these illicit operations.
Recent Smuggling Incidents
- October 25: Air India passenger from Dubai, 170 grams of gold in bottle cap.
- October 24: Passenger from Yangon, Myanmar, 997.5 grams of gold bars.
These cases serve as a strong reminder of the sophisticated methods smugglers use and the diligent work of customs officials in protecting national borders from illegal trade.
