Customs officials at Indira Gandhi International Airport in India seized gold worth over $230,000 hidden in the waistband of a passenger’s trousers on a flight from Dubai.
The authorities arrested three passengers based on security profiling, uncovering 3.7kg of gold. A video posted by Delhi Customs showed the moment officers cut open the trousers to reveal the concealed gold bars.
The passengers were arrested under the Customs Act, and investigations are ongoing. Gold seizures from passengers arriving from Dubai are a recurring issue at Indian airports, with various methods used to conceal the precious metal and avoid paying duties and taxes.
While there is no limit on the amount of gold that can be exported from the UAE tax-free, India imposes a 15% levy on the value brought into the country, including a 10% customs duty and a 5% Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess tax.
Men can carry 20g of gold tax-free, and women can bring in 40g without paying duty.
