The gold was ingeniously concealed as a cylindrical insert inside a plastic bottle’s cap, evading initial X-ray detection until detailed inspection/ Image: X

Delhi Customs officers at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport seized 170 grams of gold, valued at over ₹21 lakh, hidden inside the cap of a plastic beverage bottle from an individual identified as an Indian male passenger arriving from Dubai, according to an official X post by Delhi Customs.

170 grams of gold concelaed Inside a bottle cap

The passenger, travelling on flight AI-996 on 25 October 2025, was monitored from the flight gate due to suspicious behaviour. Officers followed him as he attempted to exit through the green channel, reserved for travellers with no dutiable goods. During X-ray screening of his baggage, suspicious images prompted a detailed inspection. The inspection revealed a cylindrical piece of gold carefully fitted inside the bottle cap. The gold was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and further investigation is ongoing.

Delhi customs statement on methodology and international trends

Delhi Customs noted the increasing risk of gold smuggling due to rising international prices. “When it comes to smuggling of gold, the fertile brain of the human race can think in more ways than can be conceived. With the spurt in prices of yellow metal internationally, the inflow is expected to increase as it becomes more lucrative for the smugglers,” the agency said on X. Officers added, “Though a small quantity was caught, nevertheless a novel methodology was unearthed.” The seizure highlights the use of creative concealment techniques by smugglers and the attention required to detect them.

International smuggling continues to challenge Indian airports, with Customs authorities maintaining heightened vigilance. Recently, according to ANI News, Mumbai Customs Zone-III at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport seized narcotics in two separate incidents between 20 and 21 October 2025. In the first, two passengers arriving from Hong Kong on flight CX-663 had 7.864 kg of hydroponic marijuana in their checked luggage, valued at ₹7.86 crore. In the second, a passenger arriving from Bangkok on flight 6E-1052 carried 11.922 kg of hydroponic marijuana, worth ₹11.922 crore. All individuals were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and investigations continue.

Ongoing investigation

The gold seizure was conducted under the Customs Act, 1962. Delhi Customs confirmed that all procedures, including profiling, X-ray screening, and detailed baggage inspection, were followed. The agency is investigating the passenger and the concealment method further.