Surat, July 22 — A subtle change in gait and slight bulges around the waist were all it took to bust what officials are calling one of the largest gold smuggling attempts in recent memory at an Indian airport.
On the night of July 20, a couple arriving from Dubai on an Air India flight to Surat was caught with 28 kilograms of gold paste — meticulously strapped to their torsos — thanks to the sharp observation of a plainclothes CISF officer.
“The way they were walking seemed off. The abdominal contours didn’t look natural,” said an officer involved in the operation. The man, dressed in shirt and trousers, and the woman in a traditional salwar suit, initially blended in with the crowd — until their posture raised suspicion.
Maintaining a discreet watch, the CISF officer alerted Customs officials, who intercepted the pair at the baggage area. A thorough frisking led to the discovery: 16 kg of gold on the woman and 12 kg on the man. The contraband had been compressed into paste, wrapped tightly in fabric belts, and fastened beneath their clothing — a technique aimed at evading airport scanners.
“This seizure wouldn’t have happened without that officer’s eye for detail. It’s a strong reminder that the human element in airport security still plays a vital role,” the official said.
Authorities confirmed that both individuals are Gujarat residents who had returned from Dubai. The couple is currently in custody as investigators probe whether they were acting independently or as couriers for a wider smuggling syndicate.
The gold, seized under provisions of the Customs Act, has been sent for further examination. Legal proceedings are underway.
