Woman Held at Ahmedabad Airport With Gold Concealed Inside Body; Gold Worth ₹35.84 Lakh Seized

July 28, 2026

Ahmedabad: Ahmedabad Customs has seized 244.16 grams of 24-carat gold worth ₹35.84 lakh after intercepting a woman passenger who allegedly concealed gold paste inside her body upon her arrival from Dubai, officials said on Tuesday.

The passenger was intercepted by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Ahmedabad Customs at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport based on specific intelligence provided by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).

Gold Paste Recovered During Detailed Examination

According to Customs officials, the woman arrived on Flight FZ-437 from Dubai on Monday. During a detailed examination, officers allegedly recovered around 270 grams of gold paste concealed inside her body.

The recovered paste was processed and converted into a 24-carat gold TT bar weighing 244.16 grams, with an estimated market value of ₹35,84,269.

The gold has been seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and further investigation is underway to determine whether the passenger was acting alone or was part of a larger gold smuggling network.

Series of Gold Smuggling Cases at Ahmedabad Airport

The latest seizure comes amid a rise in gold smuggling attempts at Ahmedabad airport involving passengers arriving from Gulf countries.

Last week, Customs officials seized 233 grams of 24-carat gold worth around ₹34.3 lakh from a woman who had allegedly concealed two gold TT bars inside her clothing after arriving from Abu Dhabi.

Earlier this month, another passenger arriving from Abu Dhabi was caught with 729 grams of gold jewellery valued at nearly ₹98.79 lakh, allegedly hidden inside her handbag and beneath her garments.

Probe Underway

Authorities are continuing their investigation to trace the source and intended destination of the smuggled gold and to identify any organised network involved in the operation.