Ahmedabad Customs Seizes ₹34 Lakh Gold Bars Hidden in Burqa at Airport

AHMEDABAD :  In a major crackdown on gold smuggling at Ahmedabad International Airport, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Ahmedabad Customs intercepted a female passenger and seized 233 grams of 24-carat gold bars worth more than ₹34 lakh. The gold was allegedly concealed inside her burqa in an attempt to evade customs duty.

The passenger had arrived from Abu Dhabi on July 16 on flight number 3L111 when AIU officers stopped her based on passenger profiling and intelligence inputs. During detailed checking, officials recovered two gold ‘TT bars’ hidden inside her clothes.

According to Ahmedabad Customs officials, the passenger was carrying the gold with the intention of avoiding payment of applicable customs duty. The seized gold has been taken into custody under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and further investigation is underway.

“Passenger profiling plays a crucial role in detecting such cases. Details of travel history, frequency of visits and movement patterns are analysed to identify suspicious activities,” a Customs official said.

The department is now investigating the source of the gold and identifying the persons who were supposed to receive the consignment after it entered India.

The seizure comes amid controversy surrounding a recent gold robbery case at Ahmedabad International Airport, where two passengers carrying gold were allegedly kidnapped and robbed after leaving the airport premises. Questions were raised over how the passengers managed to exit with gold without being intercepted by customs authorities.

Both passengers reportedly informed police that they would later submit purchase bills for the gold. However, investigators are examining whether the gold was properly declared before customs authorities.

Amid this scrutiny, the latest seizure has once again highlighted the challenges faced by security agencies in preventing illegal gold movement through international routes.

Ahmedabad Customs officials said surveillance and profiling of passengers arriving from foreign destinations will continue to prevent smuggling attempts.