IGI airport bust: RS 6.08 crore diamond-studded necklace recovered from smuggle

A man was arrested at Delhi's IGI Airport for attempting to smuggle a diamond-studded gold necklace valued at ₹6.08 crore after arriving from Bangkok. The incident highlights the ongoing battle against smuggling at Indian airports, with customs officials employing rigorous profiling techniques.

Customs Officers Strike Again

On February 12, customs officers at IGI Airport intercepted the passenger based on profiling, suspecting him of smuggling high-value jewelry. Following a thorough baggage check and personal search, they discovered a 40-gram gold necklace adorned with diamonds, valued at ₹6,08,97,329. The necklace was seized under Section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962, while the passenger was arrested under Section 104. This incident underscores the vigilance of customs officials in combating smuggling activities.

Details of the Seized Necklace

The diamond-studded necklace features an intricate design with oval and rectangular diamonds leading to a striking square-shaped pendant that boasts a prominent yellow diamond at its center. The luxurious piece of jewelry not only represents a significant monetary value but also highlights the lengths individuals will go to evade customs regulations. Further investigations are underway to uncover more details regarding the smuggling operation.

Recent Smuggling Trends

This arrest is part of a larger trend of smuggling incidents at IGI Airport. Just a week prior, customs officials seized gold coins worth approximately ₹7.8 crore from two passengers arriving from Milan. These individuals were found concealing gold coins in specially designed waist belts hidden under their clothing. The ongoing vigilance by customs officials reflects their commitment to preventing illegal activities and protecting national interests.

A History of Smuggling Attempts

Smuggling attempts at Indian airports have taken various forms over the years. In December 2024, customs officials intercepted three Uzbekistani men who had concealed over 400 grams of gold inside their bodies upon arrival from Kazakhstan. Such incidents illustrate the diverse tactics employed by smugglers and the continuous efforts by authorities to thwart these illegal operations.

A Continuous Battle

As customs officials continue to enhance their profiling techniques and vigilance at airports, incidents like this serve as reminders of the ongoing battle against smuggling in India. With further investigations into this case underway, authorities aim to dismantle smuggling networks and ensure that such high-value items do not evade scrutiny in the future.