Customs officials at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport have seized gold valued at more than ₹4.26 crore that was allegedly concealed inside a speaker box located in an aircraft lavatory. The recovery was made from an IndiGo aircraft that had arrived from Dubai.
The seizure took place on board IndiGo flight 6E-1478 after customs officers received specific intelligence and conducted a detailed inspection of the aircraft. Working alongside aircraft engineers, officials thoroughly searched the cabin and onboard facilities for hidden contraband.
During the inspection, officers discovered two pouches wrapped in black plastic tape concealed inside a wall-mounted speaker box used for inflight announcements in the aircraft’s front lavatory. The speaker unit was dismantled, revealing the packages hidden behind the audio equipment.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine how the gold was placed inside the aircraft and to identify those involved in the smuggling attempt. The seizure highlights ongoing efforts by customs officials to combat illegal gold trafficking through international flights arriving in India.