22kgs of gold worth Rs 6 cr seized at airport in year’s biggest haul

In the biggest seizure of gold this year, customs officials at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) recovered 21.69 kgs of gold worth Rs 5.86 crore from two passengers on Sunday.

In the biggest seizure of gold this year, customs officials at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) recovered 21.69 kgs of gold worth Rs 5.86 crore from two passengers on Sunday.

According to officials, the air intelligence unit of customs shortlisted two passengers after analysing the details of Emirates flight from Dubai, EK 516.

“As soon as they de-boarded the plane, they were followed. One of the passengers was carrying a hand stroller bag while the other was carrying two poly bags from Dubai’s duty free shops. It was noticed that even after collecting their checked-in baggage, they spent at least an hour in the area,” said a customs official, requesting anonymity.

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The customs said that one of the passengers was in touch with someone in Dubai, who was probably directing them. “They were escorted to X-ray machines and during search 17 gold bars of one kg each along with gold in other forms was recovered from the hand baggage,” the official said.

As the smuggling of gold is at its peak, the customs department has launched a crackdown on passengers coming from gulf and other sensitive destinations.