DRI Seizes ₹2.25 Crore in Gold Bars Hidden in Passenger's Clothing

Customs officials at Hyderabad's Shamshabad Airport have intercepted a significant gold smuggling attempt, confiscating gold bars valued at ₹2.25 crore from a passenger's luggage. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recovered 1.481 kilograms of gold bars that had been deliberately hidden beneath layers of clothing within the traveler's baggage.

The passenger was taken into custody following the discovery at the airport's screening checkpoint. Preliminary investigations suggest the gold was intended to be smuggled into the country in violation of customs regulations. The method of concealment—placing the precious metal under garments—represents a common smuggling technique employed to evade detection at airport security points.

The seizure adds to ongoing efforts by revenue authorities to curb gold smuggling across Indian airports. The DRI has intensified screening procedures at major aviation hubs, particularly in metropolitan regions, following a surge in contraband attempts. Officials have indicated that further investigations are underway to determine the source and intended destination of the confiscated gold.

The case underscores the continued vigilance required at international entry points to prevent illicit precious metal trafficking. Shamshabad Airport, serving the Hyderabad region, remains a critical transit point for such interdiction operations.