Ahmedabad Customs Busts Gold Smuggling Attempt with Underwear Concealment
In a significant crackdown, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the customs department at Ahmedabad airport successfully intercepted a man returning from Dubai on Sunday, based on developed intelligence. The operation led to the seizure of 601.9 grams of 24-carat gold, with an estimated market value of Rs 96.06 lakh, as the individual attempted to smuggle the precious metal by hiding it in his underwear.
Detailed Discovery of Concealed Gold
According to officials, the passenger was apprehended after officers, acting on intelligence gathered through passenger profiling, intercepted him upon arrival via a private air carrier from Dubai. Upon examination, authorities found 324.14 grams of gold in the form of two bars and one cut bar, valued at Rs 51.73 lakh, concealed inside his pocket purse. This initial discovery prompted a more thorough search.
Further scrutiny revealed an additional 277.8 grams of gold in paste form, worth Rs 44.33 lakh, hidden within the passenger's underwear. Customs officials noted that the gold paste was meticulously pressed between layers of a rubbery, stretchable material integrated into the cotton fabric of the underwear, making it difficult to detect during standard checks. The total weight of the modified underwear was approximately 525 grams.
Investigation and Modus Operandi
Sources close to the investigation described the smuggling technique as sophisticated, designed to evade detection at airport security points. The gold paste was very finely pressed to create a seamless layer, they explained, suggesting this method was likely employed by a syndicate to facilitate illegal transport into India. The Customs Act, 1962, was invoked for the seizure, and a probe has been initiated to uncover the sender and receiver involved in this illicit activity.
This incident marks the third gold smuggling case busted at Ahmedabad airport in the past month, highlighting ongoing efforts by authorities to combat such crimes. In previous instances, three women were caught smuggling gold chains plated with zirconium, indicating a pattern of attempts to bypass customs regulations.
The customs department continues to enhance its surveillance and intelligence capabilities to prevent similar smuggling attempts, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in safeguarding economic interests.
