Man Arrested for Smuggling Rs 6.08 Crore Diamond-Gold Necklace at Delhi Airport

In a major crackdown on smuggling activities, Delhi Customs officers have arrested a man for attempting to smuggle a diamond-studded gold necklace worth Rs 6.08 crore through the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi. The arrest took place on February 12 after the passenger arrived at the airport’s Terminal 3 (T-3) from Bangkok. This significant catch highlights the increasing vigilance at Indian airports to curb the smuggling of precious metals and stones.

The Arrest and Smuggling Case

The authorities at IGI Airport acted on a tip-off and profiling of passengers, which led them to suspect a particular Indian male passenger arriving from Bangkok. Based on this profiling, the Customs officers decided to conduct a detailed search of both the passenger’s baggage and personal belongings.

Upon further inspection, officers recovered a gold necklace studded with diamonds, weighing 40 grams. The necklace, with an approximate value of Rs 6.08 crore, was concealed in a manner that was intended to evade detection. The Customs officials, in a statement, confirmed that the necklace was seized under Section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962, which deals with the seizure of goods that have been smuggled into the country.

The Recovery: A Multi-Crore Discovery

The diamond-studded gold necklace, which was carefully concealed, was valued at Rs 6,08,97,329 (Rs 6.08 crore), a substantial amount in the illegal jewelry trade. The officers of the Delhi Customs were meticulous in their investigation, which involved not only the examination of baggage but also a personal search of the passenger involved. This thorough search led to the successful recovery of the high-value necklace, confirming their suspicion.

The Customs Department has since confirmed the seizure of the necklace and the arrest of the accused under Section 104 of the Customs Act, which allows for the arrest of individuals involved in smuggling activities. The arrested individual is currently under investigation, and authorities are working to uncover further details related to the illegal movement of such precious items.

The Methods Used by Smugglers

Smuggling of high-value items, especially gold and diamonds, has become a common practice for many international travelers attempting to bypass customs regulations. Jewelry and precious metals like gold and diamonds are often hidden in sophisticated ways, sometimes sewn into clothing or disguised as other items in the luggage. The smugglers typically use international routes with limited customs checks, such as flights from destinations like Bangkok, Dubai, or Hong Kong, known for their lax enforcement of such regulations.

The accused, in this case, had attempted to bring in the necklace without declaring it to the Customs authorities, thereby violating the rules of the Indian government regarding the import of goods. India has strict regulations for importing precious metals and gemstones, and failure to declare such items can lead to significant fines, the confiscation of the goods, and arrest.

Customs Vigilance and Crackdown

The Delhi Customs Department has been increasing its vigilance at international airports in a bid to curb the rising issue of smuggling. With the surge in international air travel post-pandemic, the authorities have been on high alert to detect any unusual or suspicious activities. This case is a part of the broader effort to clamp down on illegal trade and ensure that high-value items are properly declared, taxed, and not unlawfully trafficked into the country.

According to sources within the Customs Department, this particular arrest is part of a larger trend of increasing interceptions of smuggling attempts. Over the past few months, several other incidents have been reported where smugglers have tried to bring in contraband goods—especially gold and diamond-studded jewelry—using various innovative methods. The authorities have been stepping up their scrutiny at all major international airports, and this case at IGI Airport underscores their dedication to safeguarding the nation’s interests.

The Legal Process

The smuggling case against the arrested man will now proceed under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Section 110 of the Act empowers the authorities to seize goods suspected of being smuggled, while Section 104 allows for the arrest of the person responsible for the smuggling. The passenger, whose identity has not yet been publicly disclosed, is expected to face charges under these sections. If convicted, the man could face severe penalties, including imprisonment and a hefty fine, in addition to the forfeiture of the seized goods.

The authorities are continuing their investigation into the smuggling operation to understand whether this was an isolated incident or part of a larger smuggling ring. The possibility of a larger syndicate being involved remains under consideration, and Customs officials have stated that they are pursuing all leads to uncover further details about the trafficking route.