Customs seize gold worth ₹4.26 crore from Dubai-Ahmedabad flight

Customs officials at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) have seized 24 foreign-origin gold biscuits weighing nearly 2.8 kilograms and valued at over ₹4.26 crore after they were found concealed inside a speaker box in the lavatory of an incoming flight from Dubai.

According to Customs authorities, the seizure was made on June 12 during a rummaging operation conducted aboard IndiGo flight 6E-1478, which had arrived in Ahmedabad from Dubai.

Officials said that during a detailed inspection of the aircraft, Customs officers, assisted by aircraft engineers, recovered two pouches wrapped in black plastic tape hidden inside the speaker box located in the front lavatory of the aircraft.

Upon examination, the concealed packets were found to contain 24 gold biscuits of foreign origin with a purity of 999.0 (24 carat). The total weight of the recovered gold was 2,799.3 grams, with an estimated domestic market value of ₹4.26 Crore

Preliminary investigations suggest that the gold had been clandestinely concealed by an unidentified individual with the intention of smuggling it into India in violation of the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

Customs officials stated that no passenger or crew member came forward to claim ownership of the recovered consignment. Consequently, the gold was seized as unclaimed property under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act.

The method of concealment, involving the use of an aircraft lavatory speaker compartment, has raised suspicions of an organised smuggling attempt. Investigators are now examining passenger records, flight-related data and other available evidence to identify those responsible for the concealment and intended retrieval of the contraband.

Officials said further investigation is underway to ascertain the source, intended recipients and possible links to a larger gold smuggling network operating through international flight routes.

The seizure is among the significant gold recoveries made at Ahmedabad airport in recent months and underscores the continuing efforts of Customs authorities to curb organised smuggling activities through air routes.