Customs officials at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar have foiled another alleged gold smuggling attempt by seizing 484 grams of 24-carat gold from an international passenger who arrived from Melbourne via Kuala Lumpur, officials said on Thursday.
According to Customs, the passenger arrived at Amritsar on the night of July 1 aboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH-118 from Kuala Lumpur. Acting on suspicion, officials intercepted the male passenger and subjected him to a detailed examination, including X-ray screening and a personal search.
During the inspection, Customs officers recovered two 24-carat gold bangles and one gold chain from the passenger’s possession. The total weight of the seized gold was found to be 484 grams, with an estimated market value of approximately ₹70.66 lakh.
The recovered gold has been confiscated under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. The passenger has been arrested, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the source and intended destination of the contraband.
Customs authorities said they have intensified surveillance of passengers arriving on international flights at Amritsar airport as part of their ongoing drive against gold smuggling. They added that strict screening and enforcement measures are being continued to curb attempts to illegally bring precious metals into the country.