Two held with gold coins worth Rs 7.8 cr at Delhi airport

In a major crackdown on gold smuggling, the Customs Department seized gold coins worth Rs 7.8 crore from two passengers at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport Delhi, officials said on Wednesday.

The seizure, carried out by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Customs, was based on specific intelligence. The two male passengers, aged 45 and 43, hail from Kashmir and had arrived from Milan via Air India flight AI-138 on February 5.

According to officials, the duo was intercepted at the Green Channel following suspicious behaviour. Though an initial baggage scan did not reveal anything unusual, a personal search triggered by the Door Frame Metal Detector (DFMD) led to the recovery of the concealed gold.

The gold, weighing approximately 10.092 kg, was hidden in specially designed waist belts and wrapped in plastic envelopes. The Customs Department has detained both individuals for further investigation under the Customs Act, 1962.

Confirming the seizure, Delhi Customs (Airport & General) posted on X, formerly Twitter: “In a swift operation, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Customs, IGI Airport, New Delhi, intercepted two passengers arriving from Milan and seized 10.092 kg of gold coins, valued at approximately Rs 7.8 Crore. The individuals have been detained for further investigation.”

Officials reiterated their commitment to safeguarding national borders and cracking down on smuggling activities.

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Further investigations are underway.