Woman Detained at IGI Airport for Smuggling Gold in Concealed Capsules

A routine security check at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport’s Terminal 3 turned into a high-stakes operation when customs officials intercepted a woman engaged in a sophisticated gold-smuggling attempt. The incident highlights the sharp vigilance of the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) in curbing smuggling activities.

Unusual Behavior Sparks Suspicion

The 44-year-old woman’s peculiar gait immediately caught the attention of AIU officers as she passed through the customs green channel. Trained to identify suspicious behavior, officers noticed her distinctive walk and conducted a preliminary inspection. Her evasive demeanor under questioning further deepened their suspicions.

Shocking Confession Revealed

The woman was escorted to the AIU interrogation room for further questioning. Initially hesitant, she eventually confessed to smuggling gold paste into the country. The contraband, weighing over 770 grams and valued at approximately Rs 50 lakh, had been concealed in three oval-shaped capsules. These capsules were wrapped in tape to evade detection by airport security scanners.

Complex Smuggling Operation Unveiled
Investigations revealed that the gold paste had originated in Dubai and followed an intricate international route through Bangkok and Kathmandu before arriving in Delhi on Air India flight AI-2156. The elaborate scheme aimed to bypass customs and security checks at every stage of the journey.

Vigilant Officers Foil the Plot

The AIU officers’ keen observations and swift action thwarted the smuggling attempt. In a statement, the Additional Commissioner of Customs at IGI Airport commended the officers for their sharp instincts and praised their ability to detect and prevent such illegal activities.

Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation
This incident underscores the persistent challenges faced by airport authorities in combating smuggling networks. The woman is now in custody, and further investigations are underway to uncover other individuals potentially involved in the operation. Airport authorities remain committed to maintaining heightened vigilance to prevent such incidents in the future.