NE LEGAL BUREAU
CHENNAI, MAR 3
In a swift and intelligence-driven operation, officials of Chennai Customs foiled a gold smuggling attempt at Anna International Airport, seizing 750 grams of 24-carat gold valued at ₹1,14,69,120.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) intercepted an Indian male passenger who arrived from Singapore on Air India Flight AI 347 on March 1, 2026.
- AIU Intercepts Passenger at Anna International Airport
- 24-Carat Gold Worth ₹1.14 Crore Seized Under Customs Act, 1962
- Accused Produced Before Special Court; Further Probe Underway
Gold Concealed as Paste
During personal search, officials recovered two transparent plastic pouches wrapped in black adhesive tape, containing gold paste. Upon extraction and processing, the concealed material yielded 750 grams of high-purity gold.
The seized gold has been confiscated under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
A Customs official stated that the operation was based on “specific intelligence,” leading to timely interception and recovery.
Legal Action Initiated
The passenger involved in the smuggling attempt was produced before the Judicial Magistrate of the Special Court for Customs and has been remanded to judicial custody. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the broader network, if any.
Officials reiterated that the seizure underscores heightened vigilance at international gateways.
“This seizure highlights the heightened vigilance of Chennai Customs, working relentlessly to curb smuggling through International Airports, protecting the economic frontiers of the nation,” the department stated.
With gold remaining a high-value target for illicit trade, authorities continue to maintain strict surveillance and intelligence coordination to deter smuggling attempts.
