NEW DELHI: In a breakthrough, the CISF vigilance team at Surat airport foiled a large-scale gold smuggling attempt, seizing 28 kg of gold paste (believed to contain around 23 kg of pure gold) from two Dubai-returned passengers.
The swift and alert response by the security personnel thwarted a potential smuggling operation worth crores. Surat airport witnessed high drama late on July 20, after the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) vigilance team cracked a major gold smuggling attempt.
The male and female passengers had arrived on Air India Express flight IX-174 from Dubai around 10 pm. During routine surveillance in the arrival area, CISF personnel noticed the duo behaving suspiciously. The team immediately detained them for a thorough check.
Acting swiftly, CISF officers, in coordination with customs officials, initiated a detailed search of their luggage and personal belongings. What followed was a shocking discovery: nearly 28 kg of gold paste concealed ingeniously on their bodies. Officials estimate that around 23 kg of it is pure gold.
The entire operation stands as a testament to the CISF’s vigilance and efficiency in cracking down on smuggling operations at Indian airports.
Their timely intervention not only prevented a high-value crime but also exposed the increasingly creative tactics adopted by smugglers.
Customs authorities have now launched a detailed investigation to trace the origin, route, and end network of the seized gold, raising concerns about the scale of such international smuggling operations through regional airports.