Gadget enthusiasts could soon grab premium devices at attractive prices, as the Customs department at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is set to conduct an e-auction of seized items on May 8. The auction will feature 87 iPhones and 27 luxury watches, making it the first large-scale exercise of its kind in nearly a decade.
The lots include iPhone models from the 11 to 15 series, along with Apple Watch Series 6 and other high-end international watch brands. These items were confiscated between 2019 and 2023 after being illegally brought into India.
Additional Commissioner of Customs Sriram Bishnoi said the auction will be conducted online, with a public display of the items also planned at the airport.
Interested bidders can participate through the Metal Scrap Trade Corporation Limited platform. Both individuals and organisations can register and place bids, while new users must complete registration before the auction. The items have been grouped into lots, and bidders will need to deposit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) to take part.
Officials noted that Ahmedabad airport has seen repeated attempts by smuggling networks to bring in premium gadgets such as Apple Inc. smartphones, smartwatches, and laptops via passengers. After gold and narcotics, electronic devices have become one of the most commonly smuggled items, often carried in bulk from destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah to evade customs duty.