Customs Officials Foil Drug, Gold Smuggling Attempts at Indian Airports

Indian customs authorities have intercepted separate attempts to smuggle narcotics and gold through airports in Delhi and Kerala, highlighting the continuing challenge posed by cross-border contraband trafficking. At Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, officials seized 4.83 kg of hydroponic cannabis, commonly known as hydroponic weed, valued at around ₹4.83 crore in the illicit market. The contraband was allegedly recovered from the baggage of a passenger arriving from Bangkok, and the individual was arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act. Authorities said investigations are underway to identify the wider network behind the smuggling attempt.

In a separate case at Calicut International Airport in Karipur, customs officials seized 1.054 kg of smuggled gold from a passenger arriving from the Gulf and detained two other persons suspected of involvement in the operation. Preliminary investigations indicate that the gold had been concealed to evade customs detection. Officials said further inquiries are being conducted to trace the intended recipients and uncover any links to organised smuggling syndicates. The latest seizures underscore the vigilance of enforcement agencies in combating both narcotics and gold smuggling through India’s airports.