Customs officials at Surat Airport intercepted a Bangkok-bound passenger and seized 154.81 carats of cut and polished diamonds valued at Rs. 43.97 lakh, along with USD 6,000 in undeclared foreign currency.
The diamonds and currency were ingeniously concealed inside the passenger’s baggage in an attempt to evade declaration and bypass mandatory customs checks. Acting on specific intelligence, officers conducted a detailed examination of the luggage, leading to the recovery of the contraband.
The seized diamonds and foreign currency were taken into custody under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Preliminary investigation indicates that the attempt was part of an organised smuggling effort, potentially linked to overseas markets.
Customs authorities have initiated further inquiry, and the passenger is expected to face penal action, including fines and prosecution. The case underscores increasing vigilance at airports amid rising attempts to smuggle high-value goods through commercial flight routes.
Officials added that surveillance and profiling measures have been intensified at key departure points to curb the illegal movement of precious stones, gold, and foreign currency.
