Syndicate had smuggled gold consignment worth Rs. 16 crore in 10 instances in past two months in connivance with airline staff

Investigating a gold smuggling case, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) exposed a network following a seizure of gold concealed in an aircraft that had arrived at SVP International Airport, Ahmedabad.

DRI, had seized 1246.48 grams of 24K gold, valued at ₹1.62 crore, from a passenger arriving on a flight from Jeddah on 14^th November 2025. The gold in four capsules wrapped in white tape was found ingeniously concealed inside the life jacket pouch beneath a passenger seat.

During subsequent investigation, a person, who also runs a café in Ahmedabad, and claims to be a Ph.D holder, was identified as a key coordinator responsible for recruiting carriers and managing operations. In a surprising turn of events, inquiry revealed that two staff members of a reputed airlines, including a Senior Executive (security) and an Assistant Manager (security), were also found to be involved in facilitating the smuggling attempt. Inquiry revealed that the syndicate may have smuggled similar gold consignments worth around Rs. 16 crore in more than 10 instances in the past 2 months.

Digital evidence and corroborative statements confirm that these individuals were key operators of an organised smuggling syndicate, and operating in tandem with other perpetrators abroad. All four individuals involved in the syndicate were placed under arrest as per the provisions of the Customs Act 1962.

The successful operation by the DRI, underscores the agency's unwavering commitment to dismantling organised crime syndicates.

Gold smuggling uncovered after seizure of 1.246 kg on a flight; airline staff and others arrested. Seizure of 1,246.48 grams of 24K gold concealed inside a passenger life jacket pouch on a flight from Jeddah led to investigation exposing an organised syndicate that recruited carriers and used airline staff to facilitate smuggling; digital evidence links the group to over ten similar consignments worth about Rs.16 crore, and four individuals were arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act 1962.