Delhi Airport customs bust gold smuggling bid using modified water bottles at IGI Airport

Delhi Customs officials have foiled 2 separate gold smuggling attempts at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, recovering a total of 350.5 grams of gold concealed inside modified water bottles.

According to officials, the 2 Indian male passengers were intercepted on May 13 after they arrived from Jeddah and Doha and crossed the Green Channel at the airport.

The passengers had travelled on Saudi Airlines flight SV-756 and IndiGo flight 6E-1308 respectively.

During a detailed inspection, Customs officers discovered that the water bottles carried by the passengers had been ingeniously modified with hidden compartments at the base.

Circular pieces of raw gold were concealed inside the fake bottoms of the bottles and coated with a silver-like layer to evade detection during routine screening.

Officials said the concealment method was carefully designed to avoid suspicion, making it difficult to identify during standard security checks.

Further investigation is underway to determine the source and intended recipients of the smuggled gold.