DRI seizes 9.40 kg gold hidden in food packets at Mumbai airport, three held
DRI Mumbai intercepted three passengers from Dubai and recovered 9.40 kg of foreign-origin gold worth about Rs 14.81 crore concealed in packaged food products.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai Zonal Unit, has seized 9.40 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at approximately Rs 14.81 crore at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, and arrested three Indian passengers in connection with the case.
The three passengers were intercepted in the early hours of 23 September 2026 after they arrived from Dubai. The operation was carried out on specific intelligence, with operational assistance from the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Mumbai Airport Customs.
A detailed examination of their baggage revealed an unusual concealment method. The gold had been converted into fine powder and mixed with packaged food products chosen for their similar colour, texture and consistency. The powder was spread across several apparently ordinary packets, including milk powder, oats, various flours, Nutella and coconut milk powder.
In all, about 33.50 kg of food products mixed with gold powder were recovered from the baggage of the three passengers. Through careful segregation and assaying, 9.40 kg of foreign-origin gold was extracted and seized under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
During questioning, all three passengers admitted to acting on behalf of the same organised gold-smuggling syndicate. They were subsequently arrested under the Customs Act.
The operation has brought to light a novel and sophisticated smuggling technique in which powdered gold was blended with a range of packaged food items to avoid routine detection.