Two Dubai passengers held at Delhi airport for gold smuggling

Dubai passengers

Two passengers from Dubai were arrested at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi for allegedly smuggling 1,430 grams of gold. The incident occurred on Tuesday, as reported by Delhi Customs on their social media platform X. The two Indian nationals were intercepted by Customs officials upon their arrival and were subsequently arrested under the Customs Act, 1962.

The confiscated gold, valued at Rs. 91.44 lakh (approximately Dh403,374), highlights the ongoing issue of gold smuggling in India. According to Customs officials, further investigation into this case is underway to uncover more details and potentially identify any larger networks involved in this illegal activity.

This incident is part of a larger trend of increasing gold smuggling in India. On May 27, Delhi Customs also seized 2,814 grams of gold valued at Rs. 1.92 crore (approximately Dh846,962) from five Uzbekistan nationals who had arrived from Dubai via Mumbai. These passengers were also arrested, underscoring the significant challenges faced by Indian authorities in combating gold smuggling.

The rise in gold smuggling incidents can be attributed to economic factors, including changes in import duties. According to the World Gold Council (WGC), gold smuggling in India increased by 33 percent to 160 tonnes in 2022. This surge is largely due to the rise in import duty from 7.5% to 12.5%, making smuggling a more lucrative option for those looking to avoid the higher costs associated with legal imports.

Gold has always been a highly sought-after commodity in India, used extensively in jewelry and as a form of investment. The high demand, coupled with increased import duties, has incentivized smugglers to find illegal ways to bring gold into the country. Customs officials are on high alert and are employing stringent measures to curb this illegal trade.

The arrests at Indira Gandhi International Airport highlight the diligent efforts of customs officials to intercept and prevent gold smuggling. Such actions are crucial in maintaining economic stability and ensuring that legal avenues for gold importation are respected. The authorities continue to investigate these incidents thoroughly, aiming to dismantle smuggling operations and enforce the law effectively.

As investigations proceed, customs officials are expected to uncover more information about the smuggling operations and potentially identify and apprehend other individuals involved. The ongoing vigilance and efforts of customs authorities are essential in addressing and mitigating the issues related to gold smuggling in India.