The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Ahmedabad Customs has seized 1,450.43 grams of 24-karat gold, valued at ₹1.29 crore, from two passengers arriving from Thailand. The operation, based on specific intelligence, was carried out on March 11, 2025, upon the arrival of flight FD144.
During the inspection, officers discovered that the passengers had concealed the gold inside plastic strips sewn into the waistbands of their jeans. The gold was in a semi-solid state, mixed with chemicals to avoid detection.
A thorough examination led to the recovery of 725.71 grams of gold from one passenger and 724.72 grams from the other. The individual market values of the seized gold were estimated at ₹64.68 lakh and ₹64.59 lakh, respectively.
Both passengers have been arrested, and further investigations are underway to uncover potential links to a larger smuggling network.