Customs officials seize gold coins worth Rs 7.8 cr from two J&K residents at Delhi airport
New Delhi, February 5 – In a significant operation at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, customs officials seized gold coins worth approximately Rs 7.8 crore from the possession of two men who had arrived from Milan, Italy, on Wednesday. The accused, identified as residents of Jammu and Kashmir, were intercepted based on intelligence inputs.
Intercepted After Arrival The incident unfolded when the two individuals landed at the IGI Airport. The customs department had received a tip-off about potential gold smuggling, leading to heightened vigilance. Upon their arrival, the passengers were subjected to thorough scrutiny. Initially, baggage scans revealed nothing unusual, leaving officials puzzled.
Discovery of Concealed Gold However, acting on their suspicions, customs officers decided to conduct a personal search of the suspects. During this search, they discovered two specially designed waist belts worn by the individuals. These belts were meticulously crafted to conceal gold coins, which were wrapped in plastic envelopes. The gold coins were strategically hidden to avoid detection during routine baggage checks.
Significant Seizure The customs department reported that they had seized a total of 10.092 kg of gold coins, with an estimated market value of Rs 7.8 crore. This significant seizure was announced through an official post on the customs department’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter).
Detention and Investigation Following the discovery, the passengers were immediately detained for further investigation. The customs department has launched a comprehensive inquiry to trace the origins of the gold, the modus operandi of the smugglers, and any potential accomplices involved in the operation. Authorities are also exploring the possibility of a larger smuggling network operating between India and Italy.
Impact and Implications This seizure highlights the ongoing efforts of Indian customs to combat gold smuggling, which has seen a surge in recent years due to high import duties on gold. The interception of such a substantial quantity of gold coins underscores the need for continued vigilance and robust intelligence-sharing mechanisms to curb illegal gold trade.
As the investigation progresses, customs officials are determined to bring all involved parties to justice and prevent further attempts at gold smuggling. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical role played by customs authorities in safeguarding India’s economic interests and national security.
