Delhi airport customs foil gold smuggling bid, seize INR 1.01 crore haul
Indian passenger arrested, gold concealed in paste form held at IGI airport
In a notable episode of vigilance and enforcement at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi, customs officials made a significant seizure of smuggled goods. This incidence involved an Indian national who had attempted to smuggle in approximately 1922 grams of gold, ingeniously concealed within paste form, likely in an effort to avoid detection.
On the basis of spot profiling, Customs@IGI Airport,New Delhi have seized 1922 grams of gold concealed in paste form, valued at INR 1.01 crore, from one Indian passenger who arrived from Dubai. The pax has been arrested and further investigations are underway.#IGIACustomsatwork pic.twitter.com/h05r5bonbD
— Delhi Customs (Airport & General) (@AirportGenCus) September 4, 2023
For many, airports act as gateways, primarily connecting individuals to different corners of the world. Yet, for some, these transit points pose an opportunity to commit illicit activities, like smuggling goods across borders. In this recent case at IGI Airport, the quick thinking and a keen eye of the customs officials led to the substantial seizure of gold from a passenger arriving from Dubai.
The gold, estimated to be worth around INR 1.01 crore in the market, was not in its usual form. The suspected smuggler adopted a cunning and increasingly popular technique of disguising gold in paste form, representing a new challenge to the customs officials worldwide.
The arrest of the passenger marks a significant achievement for the customs department at IGI Airport. Essentially acting as the first line of defence against smuggling, they have demonstrated their alertness and commitment to their duty. However, this incident also spotlights the evolving tactics employed by smugglers.
Since the arrest, there has been an ongoing investigation by the customs department. While details are sparse due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, one can anticipate further crackdowns on such illegal activities at the national gateway.
As international trade proliferates and travel becomes more ubiquitous, vigilance at national gateways like airports must be prioritized. Smuggling, in all its forms, is a criminal act that undermines the economy and can have severe societal implications. Success stories like these, set a precedent for other airports across the country and act as a deterrent for potential wrongdoers.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the relentless efforts of smugglers that constantly seek to outsmart the system. Also, it reflects the relentless vigilance and proactive steps required to tackle these sophisticated forms of smuggling. This whole scenario spotlights the persistent operation by Customs@IGI Airport, denoting a promising endeavour to curb such illegal activities.
