Ahmedabad: A passenger arriving from the UAE was caught attempting to smuggle gold into the city by concealing it inside capsules he had swallowed. Subsequent medical examination confirmed the presence of gold weighing 135 grams of 24-karat purity, valued at approximately Rs 21.9 lakh.

Acting on specific intelligence, officers of the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Ahmedabad Customs intercepted the passenger upon his arrival at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPI) from Abu Dhabi on February 19.

During questioning, the individual admitted to ingesting metallic contraband to evade detection. Following an order issued on February 19 by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Ahmedabad, he was admitted to Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, for medical examination to ascertain the concealment.

Doctors at the hospital recovered three yellow-coloured capsules and one spherical, steel-coloured object from his body. A medical report dated February 21 confirmed the concealment and subsequent recovery.

A government-approved valuer later verified that the seized metal was gold. Customs officials stated that the items were confiscated under provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, as they were smuggled into India through bodily concealment without declaration. Further investigation is underway, the release added. DeshGujarat