Officers of the Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone-III, have busted two major gold smuggling cases at Mumbai International Airport and seized over 2.2 kg of 24KT gold collectively valued at more than ₹3.15 crore during operations conducted between May 9 and May 10, 2026.
In the first case, acting on APIS profiling, Customs officials intercepted a passenger who arrived from Dubai on flight SG5023 on May 10. During a detailed search, officers recovered four pouches containing 24KT gold dust mixed in wax form. The seized gold had a gross weight of 1,063 grams and a net weight of 1,020 grams, with a provisional market value of ₹1.41 crore.
According to Customs officials, the accused had cleverly concealed the gold paste inside a packet of cigarettes in an attempt to evade detection. The passenger was subsequently arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and further investigation is underway.
In another operation, Customs officers intercepted a high-income professional working in the financial sector who arrived in Mumbai from Dubai on Emirates flight EK-506. During examination, officials recovered 1.257 kg of 24KT crude gold provisionally valued at ₹1.74 crore.
The passenger was arrested under the Customs Act, 1962. During preliminary questioning, the accused reportedly told investigators that the ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions and recent attacks in the Dubai region had prompted fears over the safety of foreign assets. To secure his wealth, he allegedly converted liquid assets into gold and attempted to smuggle it into India to avoid customs duty and regulatory scrutiny.
Customs officials stated that while geopolitical uncertainties may create financial concerns, any attempt to bypass legal channels attracts serious consequences, including arrest and confiscation of assets.
Further investigations in both cases are currently in progress.