AMRITSAR — Customs officials at the Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport in Amritsar have intercepted a major gold smuggling attempt, seizing contraband valued at approximately Rs 2.58 crore. Acting on suspicion, enforcement authorities detained a passenger who was scheduled to board Malaysia Airlines flight MH-119 bound for Kuala Lumpur. A meticulous search of the individual and their accompanying baggage led to the discovery of high-purity 24-karat gold that had been concealed with extreme ingenuity.
The confiscated material consisted of a heavy gold bangle and several gold biscuits, weighing a total of 1 kilogram and 676 grams. According to senior customs officials, the estimated value of the illicit precious metal stands at roughly Rs 2.58 crore in the international market. The entire consignment was promptly confiscated under the relevant sections of the Customs Act, and the suspect was taken into custody for further interrogation to trace the origin and intended recipient of the shipment.
Preliminary investigations indicate that this incident is tied to an organized international smuggling network operating through commercial aviation channels. In response to a recent surge in illegal transit attempts across international flights, security agencies at the airport have significantly intensified their surveillance and screening protocols. Customs department officials stated that a comprehensive probe is currently underway, and further disclosures regarding the broader syndicate are expected as the investigation progresses.
