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Acting on precise intelligence inputs generated through risk-based passenger profiling, officers from the Air Intelligence Unit intercepted the traveler at the international arrival terminal in New Delhi from San Francisco on May 15.
The passenger was placed under arrest in accordance with Section 104 of the Customs Act. Photo: XCustoms officials stationed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi have intercepted an American national of Indian origin carrying 115 smuggled gold bars. The contraband, weighing approximately 3.5 kilograms, was discovered hidden inside a uniquely modified belt, authorities confirmed on Saturday.
In an official statement, senior Customs officials monitoring illegal trade patterns noted that this significant bust "directly correlates" with a sudden spike in gold smuggling attempts over the past week. This surge follows a recent policy shift that increased the Customs duty on gold imports from 6 percent to 15 percent, drastically altering illicit market dynamics and profit margins for smugglers.
Acting on precise intelligence inputs generated through risk-based passenger profiling, officers from the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) intercepted the traveler at the international arrival terminal. The passenger had landed in New Delhi from San Francisco on May 15 and was allegedly attempting to covertly navigate through the green channel to evade detection, the statement detailed.
"With the margin of profit per kilogram skyrocketing, international syndicates appear to have shown heightened desperation by deploying increasingly complex concealment methods," the statement said.
During a subsequent physical search, AIU officers uncovered the 115 gold bars neatly concealed within the inner lining of a specially designed belt worn under the passenger's trousers. The confiscated bullion consisted of 24-karat purity (999.9) and weighed exactly 3,565 grams.
Customs authorities stated that the gold was being illegally brought into India as contraband and was officially seized under Section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962. Consequently, the passenger was placed under arrest in accordance with Section 104 of the same Act, the statement said.
About the Author
Rajendra Saxena
With a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades at the highest levels of financial journalism, Rajendra Kumar Saxena stands as a cornerstone of the editorial leadership team at Livemint.com. In his current capacity as Content Editor, he is responsible for managing the comprehensive editorial lifecycle of the publication. His role is multifaceted, encompassing the strategic selection of high-impact stories, original reporting, and meticulous editing. <br> Furthermore, Rajendra is instrumental in executing a sophisticated Search Engine Optimization (SEO)-driven content strategy, ensuring that the platform's digital content reaches a global audience while maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity and accuracy prior to publication. <br> Rajendra’s professional journey is characterized by a profound expertise in a wide array of critical sectors. His analytical depth covers global economics, commodities, and stock market dynamics (across both Indian and United States landscapes). <br> Beyond the financial markets, he possesses a keen understanding of political affairs, banking and finance, foreign affairs, and the rapidly evolving technology sector. <br> His eighteen years journey in financial and business journalism includes a significant tenure at Financialexpress.com and freelance contributions to The Hindu. <br> Currently based in Delhi, Rajendra holds a Master of Journalism degree from the prestigious Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication (MCNUJC). His blend of academic rigor and decades of on-the-ground experience makes him a leading voice in navigating the complexities of today’s financial world.
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