The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Surat International Airport, under Ahmedabad Customs Commissionerate, has seized 24.827 kilograms of gold valued at approximately ₹25.57 crore. Officials say this is one of the largest gold seizures in Gujarat to date.
On July 20, 2025, acting on passenger profiling and surveillance inputs, AIU officers intercepted two passengers—husband and wife—arriving from Dubai on Air India Express flight IX-174. The passengers were stopped at the arrival hall based on suspicious movement patterns and intelligence gathered by the AIU team in Surat.
Further monitoring was conducted with support from Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, who provided corroborative inputs that strengthened the suspicion. This led to a thorough personal search of both individuals.
During the detailed examination, officials discovered 28.100 kilograms of gold in paste form, skillfully concealed within modified jeans, innerwear, handbags, and footwear. Upon refining, the net gold recovered weighed 24.827 kilograms.
The seized gold is estimated to be worth ₹25.57 crore in the domestic market.
Both passengers have been arrested under relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and produced before the court.
Officials noted that the modus operandi indicates the use of advanced body concealment techniques to smuggle gold. Further investigation is underway.
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