11 May,2026 06:33 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
The passengers had arrived at Mumbai airport from Dubai. Pic/Special Arrangement
Mumbai Customs on Monday said that it seized 2.2 kg gold worth over Rs 3 crore in separate smuggling cases at city airport and arrested two passengers in connection with the case.
The passengers had arrived at Mumbai airport from Dubai, it said.
The seizures were made by officers of the Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone III, during operations carried out between May 9 and May 10.
In the first case, customs officers intercepted a passenger arriving from Dubai on flight after profiling through the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), an official statement said.
During a detailed search, officials recovered four pouches containing 24-carat gold dust mixed in wax. The gold had a gross weight of 1,063 grams and a net weight of 1,020 grams, with an estimated value of Rs 1.41 crore.
Officials said the passenger had cleverly concealed the gold paste inside a packet of cigarettes. The accused was arrested under provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and further investigation is underway.
In another case, customs officers intercepted a passenger working in the financial sector who had arrived from Dubai.
A detailed examination led to the recovery of 1.257 kilograms of 24-carat crude gold valued at approximately Rs 1.74 crore. The passenger was also arrested under the Customs Act.
According to officials, the accused told investigators during preliminary questioning that fears arising from the ongoing US-Iran conflict and recent attacks in the Dubai region had prompted him to shift his assets to India in the form of gold while attempting to evade customs duty and regulatory checks.
Customs officials said that while concerns over geopolitical instability may influence financial decisions, attempting to bypass the law can lead to severe legal consequences, including imprisonment and confiscation of assets.
Further investigations were underway, officials said.
