Customs seize 310 gm gold worth ₹44 lakh from Kuala Lumpur flier at Ahmedabad airport

The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Ahmedabad Customs seized a gold bar weighing 310.12 grams and valued at ₹44.05 lakh from a passenger arriving from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

The seizure was made on January 12 following passenger profiling at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Acting on suspicion, AIU officers intercepted a male passenger who had landed in Ahmedabad on January 11 on AirAsia flight AK-91 from Kuala Lumpur.

During a detailed personal search, Customs officials found one gold bar of 24-carat purity (999.0), concealed in the pocket of the passenger’s jeans. The concealed gold, weighing 310.12 grams, was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Officials said the total market value of the seized gold was assessed at ₹44.05 lakh.

Sources said the passenger had not declared the gold before Customs authorities, raising suspicion of an attempt to smuggle the precious metal into the country by evading applicable duties. The interception was made as part of intensified surveillance and profiling measures being carried out by customs officials to curb gold smuggling through international airports.

Following the seizure, the passenger was taken into custody for questioning. Customs officials are examining travel details, financial transactions and possible links to organised smuggling networks operating across international routes.

“Passenger profiling and intelligence-led checks have been strengthened to prevent the illegal movement of gold and other high-value items. Such concealment methods indicate a deliberate attempt to bypass customs procedures,” a senior customs official said.

Further investigation is underway under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, officials added.