Gold Worth USD 448,000 Seized from IndiGo Dubai–Ahmedabad Flight

AHMEDABAD, June 13: Customs officials at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport in Ahmedabad seized gold worth over ₹4.26 crore (448,000 USD) that was ingeniously concealed inside a speaker box in an aircraft lavatory aboard an IndiGo flight arriving from Dubai.

The seizure took place on Friday when flight 6E-1478 landed from Dubai. Acting on suspicion, Customs officers conducted a detailed inspection of the aircraft with the assistance of airline engineers.

During the search, officials dismantled a wall-mounted speaker unit in the front lavatory—typically used for in-flight announcements—and discovered two black plastic-wrapped pouches hidden behind the audio components. The pouches were carefully concealed inside the structure of the speaker box.

Upon examination, the packets were found to contain 24 gold biscuits of foreign origin, all of 999.0 purity (24-carat), with a total weight of approximately 2,799.3 grams (about 2.8 kg). Authorities estimated the market value of the seized gold at ₹4,26,89,325.

Officials believe the smuggled consignment was likely intended to be retrieved later by an accomplice, possibly a passenger or ground staff member, after being stashed inside the aircraft’s lavatory system. However, the plan appears to have failed, with no individual coming forward to claim the concealed gold, possibly due to heightened security checks.

Customs officials said the shipment has been treated as unclaimed and confiscated under the Customs Act, 1962.

A detailed investigation has been launched to trace those involved in the attempted smuggling operation and determine how the gold was placed inside the aircraft without detection.