Mumbai Customs has unearthed a major gold smuggling operation at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, exposing how smugglers are using innovative concealment techniques and alleged internal collusion to bypass airport security. In a series of coordinated actions carried out between December 15 and 17, 2025, customs officials seized 24-carat gold worth Rs 2.89 crore, dealing a significant blow to organised smuggling networks.
Gold Dust Smuggling Raises Alarm
According to officials, smugglers attempted to bring 2.270 kilograms of 24-carat gold dust into India, cleverly concealed to evade routine screening systems. Unlike traditional gold bars or jewellery, gold dust is harder to detect, making it an emerging method among international smuggling syndicates. Alert customs officers, however, intercepted the carriers during intensified checks and seized the contraband under the Customs Act.
Authorities said the case highlights a worrying shift in smuggling strategies, with criminals constantly adapting to enforcement measures.
Three Cases, Multiple Accused
The seizures were made across three separate cases, indicating a coordinated and well-planned operation. In addition to the gold dust, customs officers also recovered 230 grams of 24-carat gold, valued at approximately Rs 29.35 lakh. Some of the accused were transit passengers, while others allegedly had access to restricted airport zones—raising serious concerns about possible insider involvement.
Investigators believe the use of multiple carriers and staggered movements was a deliberate attempt to reduce risk and avoid large single seizures.
Drug Trafficking Angle Surfaces
During the same enforcement drive, Mumbai Customs also intercepted a passenger arriving from Bangkok carrying 8.467 kilograms of hydroponic cannabis, concealed inside his baggage. The discovery has added a narcotics trafficking dimension to the probe, prompting coordination with other central intelligence and enforcement agencies.
Officials suspect international linkages and are working to identify overseas handlers and funding channels.
Five Arrested, Investigation Ongoing
So far, five individuals have been arrested in connection with the gold and drug smuggling cases. Customs officials said questioning is underway to trace financiers, logistics coordinators and any airport-based facilitators.
“The repeated attempts and sophisticated concealment methods point to a structured syndicate operating over a long period,” a senior official said, adding that more arrests are likely.
Rules on Bringing Gold into India
Customs authorities reiterated that under existing regulations, Indian male passengers may bring up to 20 grams of gold jewellery (worth up to Rs 50,000), while female passengers are allowed up to 40 grams (worth up to Rs 1 lakh) duty-free.
These concessions apply only to jewellery, not to gold bars, coins or dust, and are subject to residency conditions abroad.
Heightened Vigil at Airports
In response to rising smuggling attempts, Mumbai Customs has stepped up surveillance, improved passenger profiling and strengthened coordination with airport security agencies. Officials said intelligence-led operations and advanced screening technologies will continue to plug loopholes and curb illegal trade.
