The Customs Air Intelligence Unit ( AIU ) at Indira Gandhi International Airport ( IGI ), New Delhi, carried out a major operation against gold smuggling during the night shift between January 12 and 13, 2025. The team captured two passengers arriving on Gulf Air flight GF-134 from Bahrain and discovered gold worth Rs. 1.41 crore cleverly concealed in their trolley bag linings.
The passengers, a 38-year-old Indian man, and a 34-year-old Indian woman had attempted to smuggle gold by embedding it into the linings of their luggage. They used silver-colored metal wires made from gold, a sophisticated method to evade detection.
The male passenger, a 38-year-old Indian national, concealed 1,528 grams of gold inside his trolley bag. The gold was skillfully hidden in 15 silver-colored metal wires embedded inside the linings. The estimated market value of the gold he attempted to smuggle is Rs. 11,115,283.
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Accompanying him was a 34-year-old female passenger, also an Indian national, who used a similar method to conceal the smuggled gold. In her case, four silver-colored metal wires containing gold were tucked inside the linings of her trolley bag. The total weight of the gold she carried amounted to 420 grams, valued at Rs. 3,055,248.
Customs officials seized 1.948 kilograms of gold from the two passengers, with a combined market value of Rs. 14,170,531.
Customs officials arrested the duo in the airport’s arrival hall. The gold was confiscated and a case was filed under the Customs Act, 1962. Further investigations are ongoing to uncover the larger network involved in the smuggling operation
How Much Gold Can You Legally Bring to India?
Please be aware of the limits on how much gold you can bring into India. For Indian residents returning after a stay of over six months abroad, men can bring up to 20 grams of gold worth Rs. 50,000, and women are allowed up to 40 grams worth Rs. 1,00,000 without paying customs duty. This duty-free allowance only applies to jewelry and excludes coins or bars.
Any gold exceeding these limits must be declared at customs and is subject to a duty rate of approximately 15%. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in confiscation, heavy fines, or even imprisonment. Always declare excess gold, carry invoices for proof of purchase, and stay informed about the latest rules to avoid penalties. Know More
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