Customs Seize 10 Military-Grade Drones at Delhi Airport from Three Passengers

Three Indian passengers were intercepted at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport after they were found carrying 10 military-grade drones, officials said on Tuesday.

The drones, valued at more than ₹1.03 crore, were recovered from the passengers who had arrived at Terminal 3 from Hong Kong via Vietnam on Friday, an official statement said.

The passengers were stopped while crossing the green channel, acting on intelligence developed by customs officers. A detailed examination of their baggage led to the recovery of the 10 drones along with complete accessories, including controllers, gimbals with cameras, cables, propellers and joysticks.

An assessment by a Chartered Engineer confirmed that the devices were professional-grade and fitted with thermal imaging and laser range finders. They were classified as military- or defence-grade unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which require mandatory registration with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The passengers were apprehended and the goods were seized under the Customs Act, 1962. Further investigation is under way, officials said.