Ahmedabad Customs seize 37 gm gold worth ₹5 lakh concealed inside Air Arabia flier’s body

Officers of the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Ahmedabad Customs have seized 37.180 grams of gold, valued at ₹5.01 lakh after intercepting a male passenger who allegedly smuggled the contraband into the country by concealing it inside his body.

According to officials, the passenger arrived from Abu Dhabi at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on February 19, by an Air Arabia flight (3L 111). Acting on Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) profiling, AIU officers intercepted the traveller upon arrival.

During questioning, the passenger admitted that he had swallowed metallic contraband in an attempt to evade detection.

Following an order issued on February 19 by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ahmedabad, the passenger was admitted to Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, for medical examination and monitoring to detect the concealed items.

Customs officials said that during his stay at the hospital, three unshaped gold bars were recovered during a stool discharge. In a medical report dated February 24, Civil Hospital authorities confirmed the recovery and subsequently discharged the passenger.

The seized items were examined by a government-approved valuer, who certified that the three unshaped bars were made of gold weighing 37.180 grams with a purity of 821.0 (19.71 carats), and having a total market value of ₹5.01lakh.

The gold has been seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, as it was allegedly attempted to be smuggled into India through concealment in the body without declaration to Customs authorities.

Further investigation is under way to ascertain the source and intended recipient of the contraband, officials said.