Delhi Customs seizes 170 grams of gold hidden in plastic bottle at IGI airport

NEW DELHI: Officers of Delhi Customs have seized 170 grams of gold from an Indian passenger arriving from Dubai at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.

According to officials, the passenger was discreetly monitored from the flight gate and intercepted while attempting to exit through the green channel, typically meant for travellers with no dutiable goods. During X-ray screening of his baggage, officers noticed suspicious images, prompting a detailed inspection.

On examination, a gold round weighing 170 grams was found ingeniously concealed under the cap of a plastic bottle. The gold was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

Further investigation into the matter is currently under way.

“Delhi Customs at IGI Airport seized 170 grams of gold from an Indian passenger who arrived from Dubai on flight AI-996 dated October 25, 2025. The passenger was discreetly followed from the flight gate and intercepted while attempting to exit through the green channel. During the X-ray screening of his baggage, officers noticed suspicious images. Upon detailed examination, a gold round was ingeniously concealed under the cap of a plastic bottle. The recovered gold, weighing 170 grams, was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Further investigation into the matter is underway,” said Delhi Customs.

Earlier on October 22, the Customs officers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai apprehended three passengers and seized a large quantity of narcotics in two separate cases during the duty of October 20-21, said the agency.

The first case, based on specific intel, led to the interception of two passengers who arrived from Hong Kong on flight CX-663. Upon examination of their checked-in trolley bag, customs officials recovered 7.864 kg of suspected hydroponic weed (Marijuana). The illicit substance has an estimated market value of approximately Rs 7.86 crore. Both individuals were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, said the Customs in a press note.

In the second case, also stemming from specific intel, officers intercepted one passenger arriving from Bangkok on flight 6E-1052. A search of the passenger’s checked-in trolley bag led to the discovery of 11.922 kg of suspected Hydroponic Weed, with an illicit market value of approximately Rs 11.922 crores. The passenger was subsequently arrested under the NDPS Act.

The combined haul from the two interceptions amounts to 19.786 kg of suspected hydroponic weed, with a total estimated value of Rs 19.786 crores. All the narcotic substances were concealed within the passengers’ checked-in luggage.

The Mumbai Customs Zone-III has confirmed the arrests, and the cases are under further investigation in accordance with the provisions of the NDPS Act. (ANI)