Delhi Customs seize gold hidden in chocolates from passengers flying in from Saudi Arabia

21/05/2026

NEW DELHI, May 21: Customs officials at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi have busted two separate gold-smuggling attempts involving passengers arriving from Riyadh, seizing a total of 396 grams of gold concealed in chocolate packets.

According to officials, the operation was carried out on May 17, 2026, during a preventive shift based on spot profiling by Customs officers. The two passengers had arrived on a Flynas flight from Riyadh and were initially cleared for the Green Channel. However, they were later diverted for detailed inspection after profiling inputs raised suspicion.

During X-ray screening of their baggage, officers detected unusual images inside chocolate packets carried by both passengers. The packets were subsequently detained on suspicion of containing concealed gold in dust form and sent for further examination.

A detailed recovery process was carried out, including furnace analysis, which confirmed the presence of gold concealed inside the chocolates. Authorities recovered a total of 396 grams of gold, 999.9-purity, in two separate recoveries: 200 grams and 196 grams.

The seized gold has been confiscated under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and cases have been registered against both passengers. Further investigation is underway to determine the source and intended recipients of the smuggled gold.