Delhi Customs Seizes 6.5 Kg Gold Worth Rs 9.9 Crore at IGI Airport

Delhi Customs officials have seized approximately 6.5 kilograms of gold valued at ₹9.9 crore at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport after intercepting eight passengers arriving from Dubai, according to media reports. The incident has prompted a vigilance inquiry into possible lapses in airport supervision, with one Customs officer reportedly suspended and several personnel reassigned.

The seizure took place on September 21, 2026, following intelligence inputs. Officials reportedly recovered 23 gold chains weighing around 6.495 kg from three pouches found during a search of an aircraft. The chains were allegedly coated with black and silver-coloured material to disguise their appearance. Investigators suspect that the seizure may be linked to an organised gold smuggling operation. Authorities are examining the passengers' alleged roles, the method used to conceal the gold and whether the consignment was connected to previous incidents.

The case has also triggered an internal review of Customs operations at the airport. According to reports, several personnel were shifted from sensitive assignments to back-office duties or returned to their parent departments. One officer was suspended as part of the administrative action. A vigilance inquiry has been ordered to examine possible supervisory failures and allegations of collusion. However, the administrative measures do not establish that any particular officer was involved in the alleged smuggling operation.

A Delhi court reportedly granted bail to all eight accused on October 5, 2026. The bail decision does not amount to an acquittal, and the allegations remain subject to further legal proceedings. Gold smuggling remains a concern for Indian enforcement agencies because illegal imports can undermine lawful trade and result in revenue losses. Smugglers may attempt to conceal precious metals by altering their appearance, disguising them as other items or distributing consignments among multiple carriers.

The investigation is expected to focus on tracing the origin and intended destination of the seized gold, identifying any alleged links to a wider network and determining whether earlier incidents followed a similar pattern. The vigilance inquiry will separately examine whether any lapses occurred in airport supervision. Further action will depend on the evidence collected by investigators and the findings of the ongoing inquiries.