Customs officials at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPI), Ahmedabad, have seized 600.240 grams of concealed gold chain hooks valued at approximately ₹60.24 lakh from a passenger who arrived from Sharjah.
According to Customs authorities, the passenger attempted to smuggle the gold into India by concealing the items in a manner designed to evade detection during customs checks. The seized articles consisted of 18-karat and 14-karat gold chain hooks, which were recovered during a detailed examination conducted by airport customs officers.
Officials stated that the passenger had arrived on an international flight from Sharjah when intelligence-based profiling and subsequent screening led to the discovery of the concealed gold. The exact method of concealment has not been officially disclosed, but authorities confirmed that the gold was hidden with the intention of avoiding payment of applicable customs duties.
The recovered gold, weighing 600.240 grams, was valued at ₹60.24 lakh under the provisions of the Customs Act. Following the seizure, Customs authorities initiated legal proceedings against the passenger.
The individual has been arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, for allegedly attempting to smuggle dutiable goods into the country. The arrested passenger is expected to be produced before the competent judicial authority in accordance with law.
Customs officials indicated that the seizure forms part of their ongoing efforts to curb gold smuggling through international airports. Gold continues to remain one of the most frequently smuggled commodities into India due to the price differential between domestic and international markets and the high customs duty applicable on imports.
Authorities are currently conducting further investigations to ascertain the source of the gold, identify any possible syndicate involved, and determine whether the passenger was acting independently or as part of a larger smuggling network.
The Customs Department has reiterated its commitment to strengthening surveillance and enforcement measures at airports to prevent illicit imports and safeguard government revenue.
Further investigation is underway.
