Gold Hidden in Chocolates: 396g Seized at Delhi Airport from Riyadh Flyers

Customs officials at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi , have seized 396 grams of high-purity gold smuggled inside chocolate packets by two passengers arriving from Riyadh, authorities said on Thursday.

According to officials, the passengers were intercepted at the green channel based on spot profiling, a risk-assessment technique used by customs intelligence to identify travellers who may require closer scrutiny despite not having declared dutiable goods.

The passengers were then diverted for secondary inspection, including baggage X-ray screening . During the scan, officers detected anomalous density patterns inside chocolate packets carried in their luggage. This prompted a detailed physical examination, leading to the recovery of gold concealed within the packets in finely divided form.

A total of 396 grams of 999.9 purity gold was recovered, split into two consignments of 200 grams and 196 grams , respectively. The seized material and passengers were booked under provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 .

Officials said modern airport enforcement relies on a combination of intelligence-led profiling , advanced X-ray imaging systems , and selective physical checks to detect concealment methods even when goods are hidden inside everyday items or even internal body cavities. In such cases, authorities depend on behavioural analysis , scanning technologies, and regulated medical-grade imaging protocols .

The investigation is underway to trace the source and intended recipients of the smuggled gold.