Ahmedabad: Two passengers were apprehended at Ahmedabad Airport on Tuesday morning at 9:43 AM for attempting to smuggle gold worth ₹1.29 crore. They arrived on Thai AirAsia flight FD 144 from Bangkok.

The individuals concealed the gold by mixing it with chemicals and molding it into a paste-like form, which was then stuffed into plastic sticks. These sticks were then strapped around their waists under their jeans in an attempt to bypass security.

Customs officials seized a total of 1,450.43 grams of 24-karat gold and arrested both passengers.

According to Customs officials, the two passengers are residents of Ahmedabad. The Ahmedabad Air Intelligence Unit received a tip-off, which led to the interception and investigation of the passengers upon their arrival.

During questioning and subsequent checks, the passengers were found to have concealed the gold paste in plastic sticks around their waists. One passenger was carrying 725.71 grams of gold, while the other had 724.72 grams. The total market value of the seized gold is estimated to be ₹1,29,27,682.

Both individuals have been arrested, and further investigations into the smuggling operation are underway. DeshGujarat