By Sitaram Mewati
In two major anti-smuggling operations carried out within 24 hours, officers of the Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone–III, seized more than 2.27 kg of 24KT gold collectively valued at over Rs 3.15 crore from passengers arriving from Dubai at Mumbai International Airport.
According to a press note issued for the period between May 9 and May 10, 2026, both cases were detected on the basis of APIS (Advance Passenger Information System) profiling.
In the first case, Customs officers intercepted a passenger arriving from Dubai on flight SG5023 on May 10. During a detailed examination, officials recovered four pouches containing 24KT gold dust mixed in wax form. The contraband had a gross weight of 1,063 grams and a net gold weight of 1,020 grams, provisionally valued at Rs 1.41 crore.
Officials said the passenger had ingeniously concealed the gold paste inside a packet of cigarettes in an attempt to evade detection. The accused was arrested under provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and further investigation is underway.
In another significant seizure, Customs officers booked a case involving a high-income professional working in the financial sector who arrived from Dubai on Emirates flight EK 506. A detailed examination led to the recovery of 1.257 kg of 24KT crude gold, provisionally valued at Rs 1.74 crore.
The passenger was arrested under the Customs Act, 1962.
During preliminary interrogation, the accused reportedly told investigators that the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict and recent attacks in the Dubai region had triggered fears over the safety of his overseas assets. To safeguard his wealth, he allegedly converted liquid assets into gold and attempted to smuggle it into India to avoid customs duty and regulatory scrutiny.
Customs officials stated that while geopolitical uncertainty may create anxiety among investors and expatriates, violating customs laws can invite serious legal consequences, including imprisonment and confiscation of assets. Further investigation in both cases is in progress.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
