₹2.65 Crore Gold Seized at Chennai Airport, Two Myanmar Nationals Arrested

Chennai Customs officials have seized 24-Karat gold worth ₹2.65 crore from two Myanmar nationals who allegedly attempted to smuggle the precious metal by concealing it inside their bodies at Chennai International Airport.

The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Chennai Customs intercepted the female passenger and her male companion, both Myanmar nationals, after they arrived from Bangkok on August 15, officials said. The interception was carried out based on passenger profiling.

During personal searches, officials recovered cut gold bars concealed within their bodies. The gold had been hidden in the form of solid masses and pellets, wrapped in rubber pouches and adhesive tape, according to the Customs department.

The seized consignment weighed 1,967 grams in net weight and was certified to be 24-Karat gold. Its total value was assessed at ₹2,65,82,500, or approximately ₹2.65 crore.

Following the recovery, the gold was seized under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Both passengers were arrested and subsequently remanded to judicial custody, while further investigation into the alleged smuggling attempt is underway.

Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the passengers’ arrival and the manner in which the gold was concealed. The investigation is also expected to determine whether the duo was acting independently or as part of a wider smuggling network.

The latest seizure highlights the continued efforts by customs authorities to curb gold smuggling through international airports, particularly through concealment methods designed to evade routine baggage checks.

Chennai Customs has advised passengers and members of the public against carrying gold or other contraband by concealing it in baggage or on their person. The department reiterated that attempts to smuggle goods into the country can attract strict legal action and severe punishment under the Customs Act.

Officials have continued to strengthen passenger profiling and intelligence-based checks to detect attempts to illegally bring high-value goods into the country.