Authorities at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport have registered a case against two men accused of attempting to smuggle nearly 450 grams of gold through the airport, officials said on Thursday. The seizure was made during a routine customs inspection as security agencies intensified surveillance against illegal movement of precious metals through international terminals.

According to officials familiar with the investigation, the accused passengers arrived at the airport from an overseas destination and allegedly attempted to bypass customs checks while carrying concealed gold. During the screening process, customs officers became suspicious of their movement and baggage, prompting a detailed inspection that led to the recovery of approximately 450 grams of gold.

Preliminary estimates suggest the seized gold carries significant market value. Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact concealment technique used by the accused, but officials confirmed that the precious metal was hidden in a manner intended to evade detection during airport screening procedures. 

Both individuals were subsequently booked under relevant provisions of the Customs Act. Investigators are now examining whether the accused were operating independently or as part of a larger gold smuggling network linked to international routes frequently monitored by customs intelligence units.

Airport officials stated that interrogation of the suspects is ongoing, and investigators are tracing travel history, communication records, and possible financial transactions connected to the operation. Authorities are also attempting to determine the intended destination of the smuggled gold within India.

The incident once again highlights the continuing challenge faced by customs agencies in curbing illegal gold imports through airports. In recent years, enforcement agencies across major Indian airports have reported a rise in sophisticated smuggling techniques involving concealed compartments, modified luggage, clothing layers, electronic devices, and even body concealment methods.

Security agencies at IGI Airport have increased vigilance due to repeated attempts by smugglers to exploit high passenger traffic on international routes. Customs officials said intelligence-driven operations and advanced scanning technology have helped intercept multiple such cases in recent months.

Officials reiterated that strict legal action would be taken against individuals involved in illegal import activities, especially in cases linked to organized smuggling syndicates. Further investigation is underway, and additional arrests have not been ruled out as authorities continue to probe the case.