Customs officials at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad have seized two foreign luxury watches worth ₹13 crore from a couple who arrived from Abu Dhabi.
The couple, hailing from Pratapgarh in Rajasthan, arrived on two separate flights from Abu Dhabi early in the morning—one via Air Arabia and the other via IndiGo, at 5:25 AM and 5:30 AM, respectively.
Initially, the wife attempted to exit the airport, and customs officers grew suspicious due to a handkerchief tied around her wrist. Upon searching her, they found a watch worth ₹11.70 crore. Simultaneously, the husband, who had been under close observation, was found wearing a foreign luxury watch worth ₹1.29 crore. Initially, he claimed ownership of both watches. However, customs officers discovered the watch boxes in his bag, and upon further questioning, he admitted to attempting to smuggle the items. The couple stated that their uncle had asked them to bring the watches to Ahmedabad, where they were supposed to hand them over to another person.
The couple was arrested, and an investigation was launched. The investigation into the couple’s travel history, including how many times they had flown from Abu Dhabi to Ahmedabad or other locations, is ongoing.
The seized luxury watches are both limited edition pieces from Swiss companies. One is an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Green Limited Edition, part of the Royal Oak family, which has been produced by the company since 1972. It features 18-carat gold and valuable diamonds. The other watch is a Richard Mille, another Swiss luxury brand worn by billionaires, celebrities, and stars from Hollywood and Bollywood. These watches are valued between ₹1 crore and ₹20 crore and feature pure sapphire crystals, titanium cases, and precious materials.