Hyderabad: The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Hyderabad Customs seized 2.27 kg of 24KT gold with a market value of over ₹3.3 crore at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA). The unit arrested two Indian passengers who arrived from Kuala Lumpur, following intelligence developed through the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) and inputs received from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).AIU officials intercepted the passengers after their arrival on June 24. During a detailed frisking, officers found gold concealed in paste form inside specially stitched pouches hidden along the waistline of the trousers worn by the passengers. The pouches had been wrapped with white cellophane tape.The recovered yellow metal was assayed by a government-approved valuer, who confirmed it to be 24 KT gold. The passengers were arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.Further investigation is under way to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the attempted smuggling and any possible links connected to the case.
