World · India Bureau
Doctor arrested for smuggling half-kilogram gold chain at Ahmedabad airport
Customs authorities at Ahmedabad Airport have apprehended a 31-year-old female physician from Sharjah for attempting to smuggle gold into India concealed beneath her clothing. The contraband, valued at over Rs 83 lakh, was discovered during routine screening.
LSN India ·
The Air Intelligence Unit of the Central GST and Central Excise at Ahmedabad Airport intercepted the woman doctor upon her arrival from Sharjah on Tuesday. During baggage and personal screening, officials discovered approximately 500 grams of 24-carat gold chain hidden inside a high-neck sweater worn by the passenger.
The smuggled gold, valued at more than Rs 83.14 lakh, was seized by customs officials as contraband. The concealment method—wearing the chain beneath clothing to evade detection—represents a common smuggling technique employed at Indian airports.
The woman has been taken into custody for further questioning and legal proceedings under the Customs Act. The case highlights ongoing challenges faced by airport authorities in detecting precious metal smuggling, despite enhanced security protocols and screening measures at major international airports across the country.
India has witnessed a persistent problem with gold smuggling through its airports, driven by high demand in the domestic market and significant price differentials between international and domestic rates. The seizure adds to the growing list of similar contraband recovery operations conducted by customs agencies at major entry points.