The smuggling attempt was foiled by the Delhi Customs Department at IGI Airport under the leadership of Vishal Pal Singh wherein Gold was found inside Nivea Cream and Tiger Balm Bottles.
In a remarkable display of vigilance and expertise, the officers of Airport Customs, IGI Airport, Terminal-3, New Delhi, successfully intercepted an elaborate gold smuggling attempt on January 22, 2025.
An Indian passenger arriving from Riyadh on flight was stopped based on spot profiling.
During the detailed examination of the passenger’s baggage and personal search, officers recovered 18 pieces of rhenium-coated strips made of gold weighing 318 grams worth Rs. 23,76,471, hidden inside 4 Nivea cream boxes and 10 Tiger Balm bottles.
The passenger has been booked under Section 132 & 135 of the Customs Act, 1962, for False declaration and concealment of goods, Attempt to evade customs duty and Smuggling gold into India.
The recovered gold has been seized under Section 110 of the Customs Act on the reasonable belief that it was liable for confiscation under Section 111 of the Customs Act.
Smuggling is not just an economic crime; it undermines the nation’s financial security. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of our customs officers, another attempt to bypass the law has been thwarted.
Investigations are underway to uncover more details, including potential networks behind this smuggling attempt.
Read More: Direct Tax Weekly Flashback: 19 to 25 January 2025
