Passenger caught at Ahmedabad airport smuggling iPhones, Apple Watches and saffron

Ahmedabad: A Mumbai-bound passenger arriving from Abu Dhabi was caught at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport early Thursday morning with high-value electronics and saffron worth around ₹24 lakh, allegedly smuggled without paying customs duty.

The incident occurred during the inspection after Etihad Airways flight EY-246, which landed at 4:15 am. Customs officials, acting on suspicion due to the passenger’s movements, stopped him for further checks.

According to officials, the passenger was wearing cargo pants with multiple concealed pockets, where he had hidden 15 iPhone 16 Pro devices, 4 Apple Watches, and 9.5 kilograms of saffron. Upon questioning, it was found that he had not declared the items nor paid the mandatory 35% customs duty applicable on such imports.

The goods were seized immediately. Customs officials confirmed that the passenger will be liable not only for the unpaid duty but also for a financial penalty under applicable laws. DeshGujarat