Customs Seize 61 Luxury Designer Pens Worth ₹30 Lakh from Japan Passenger at Ahmedabad Airport

Customs officials at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport seized 61 high-end designer ink pens worth an estimated ₹25–30 lakh from an international passenger arriving from Japan, in a suspected case of duty evasion.

The action was carried out by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Customs after officials flagged suspicious baggage images during routine scanning.

Passenger Arrived via Vietnam Route

According to officials, the male passenger arrived in Ahmedabad from Japan via Ho Chi Minh City on VietJet flight VJ 1805. He was intercepted on April 26 after further scrutiny raised suspicion.

Recovery of Luxury Pens

A detailed baggage inspection reportedly led to the recovery of 61 premium designer ink pens, carefully concealed inside the luggage.

Officials stated that the passenger allegedly failed to declare the items to Customs authorities, in an attempt to evade applicable import duty.

Valuation and Legal Action

The seized items have been confiscated under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

While the final valuation is pending, officials estimate each pen to be worth between ₹40,000 and ₹50,000, bringing the total value close to ₹30 lakh.

The exact assessment was delayed due to the unavailability of a chartered engineer at the time of inspection.

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities have launched further investigation to determine:

• Source of the luxury pens
• Their intended purpose
• Possible involvement of any larger smuggling network

Customs officials said surveillance at Ahmedabad airport has been intensified in recent months to curb smuggling and duty evasion cases.