New Delhi:Vigilance of customs officials at Indira Gandhi International Airport exposed a big gold smuggling gang. Such a method of smuggling of gold came to light in the flight that reached Delhi from Dubai, which even the investigating agencies were surprised to see. Custom officials have recovered about 6.5 kg of gold, the estimated value of which is said to be around Rs 9 crore. A total of 8 passengers including a woman have been arrested in the case.
According to the information, customs officials had already received information regarding smuggling. After this, flight number EK-514, which reached New Delhi from Dubai on 21 September 2026, was thoroughly investigated. During the search, officers found three small bags in suspicious condition under two seats. When the bags were examined, gold chains were found in them. The smugglers had coated these chains with silver and black paint to make them appear like normal jewelery and to reduce suspicion during investigation.
Trip to Dubai on the pretext of exhibition
Investigation revealed that the gang members allegedly visited Dubai repeatedly on the pretext of attending exhibitions. After this, a plan was made to bring the gold to India by wearing it on the body in the form of a chain or jewellery. The gang hoped that traveling wearing jewelery would not raise much suspicion during security checks and the gold would easily reach Delhi. But this time the entire game of smugglers was turned upside down in front of the watchful eyes of the customs officials. In the action taken on the basis of information, not only a huge amount of gold was recovered, but eight passengers who had come on the same flight were also arrested, linking them to the case.
After the arrest, medical examination of all the accused was done. After this they were produced in Patiala House Court, from where the court sent the accused to judicial custody for 14 days. Further investigation into the matter is underway by customs officials. The investigating agencies are now busy finding out who are the people behind this alleged smuggling network, from where the gold was obtained and to whom it was to be delivered after reaching Delhi. During the investigation, other members associated with the gang and layers of the entire conspiracy are expected to be revealed.