NewsFlash Daily™
10 June 
899.50 grams of 24-carat gold concealed in paste-filled capsules recovered at Kempegowda International Airport during customs inspection
Bengaluru: Customs officials at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport have foiled a major gold smuggling operation, seizing 899.50 grams of 24-carat gold valued at ₹1.37 crore from a passenger arriving from Dubai. The accused has been arrested under the Customs Act, and authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the smuggling network behind the operation.
The seizure marks yet another significant breakthrough by Bengaluru Customs, which has intensified surveillance and enforcement measures following a series of successful crackdowns on illegal trafficking activities in recent weeks.
Bengaluru Airport Gold Seizure Exposes Sophisticated Smuggling Tactics
According to officials, the passenger had allegedly devised an elaborate plan to evade airport security checks. The smuggled gold had been converted into paste form and concealed inside four specially prepared capsules.
However, the traveller's suspicious behaviour reportedly alerted customs personnel, prompting a thorough inspection. During the examination, officers discovered the concealed capsules containing the gold paste, leading to the immediate seizure of the precious metal.
"The accused was intercepted following suspicious movement and subjected to detailed examination, which resulted in the recovery of concealed gold," officials said during the preliminary investigation.
Authorities confirmed that the seized quantity comprised 899.50 grams of 24-carat gold with an estimated market value of ₹1.37 crore.
Dubai Passenger Arrested Under Customs Act
Following the recovery, customs officials arrested the accused under relevant provisions of the Customs Act. Investigators are currently examining whether the passenger acted independently or was part of a larger international smuggling syndicate operating between the United Arab Emirates and India.
Officials have not yet disclosed the identity of the accused, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
The latest incident highlights the growing challenge faced by enforcement agencies as smugglers continue to adopt innovative methods to transport high-value contraband through major international airports.
Bengaluru Gold Smuggling Cases Witness Renewed Attention
Kempegowda International Airport has repeatedly emerged as a focal point in multiple gold smuggling investigations due to its status as one of India's busiest aviation hubs.
Customs authorities have strengthened intelligence gathering, passenger profiling, and surveillance mechanisms to detect attempts involving concealed gold, narcotics, and other prohibited items.
