Ahmedabad Airport Customs Seize Rs 34.3 Lakh Gold Hidden in Woman Passenger’s Burqa

Ahmedabad: Customs officials at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport on Thursday seized two 24-carat gold bars weighing a combined 233 grams from a woman passenger who allegedly attempted to smuggle the precious metal by concealing it inside her clothing after arriving from Abu Dhabi.

The seized gold, estimated to be worth around Rs 34.3 lakh in the local market, was recovered by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Ahmedabad Customs after the passenger was identified through profiling.

According to a statement issued by the Customs Department, the woman landed at Ahmedabad International Airport on a flight from Abu Dhabi. During a detailed examination, officers found that she had hidden two 24-carat gold TT bars, weighing a total of 233 grams, inside her burqa in an alleged attempt to evade customs duty.

The gold was confiscated under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and an investigation has been launched to ascertain whether the passenger was operating independently or was linked to a larger gold smuggling network. Officials are also verifying if she has any previous involvement in similar offences.

Gold smuggling attempts continue to be detected regularly at Ahmedabad airport, with carriers resorting to various concealment techniques. In earlier cases, passengers have hidden gold inside suitcase linings, electronic gadgets and personal belongings, while others have tried to avoid detection by wearing gold jewellery and other ornaments during travel. DeshGujarat