Air Customs officials seized gold worth Rs. 29.74 lakh (USD 40,779) from southern India's Chennai International Airport on February 2. The suspects were intercepted at the terminal of the airport.

Visuals witnessing the smuggled item feature four wrapped bundles crammed with gold. A molten chunk of metal can also be seen amid the illicit assets on the counter.

Following this, the officials separate the segments of a cordless machine and retrieve a big piece of gold concealed inside it.

A 23-year-old identified as Nassarul Huq of Chennai, who arrived from Dubai by Air India Express flight AI-906, was intercepted at the exit based on suspicion of smuggling gold. On further search, four bundles of gold paste weighing 523 grams (1.15 lbs) were retrieved from his underwear.

On extraction, it bore 430 grams (0.94 lbs) valued at Rs. 21.74 lakh (USD 29,810).

In another case, a 34-year-old identified as Sivasankar Reddy of Kadappa, who arrived from Singapore by Air India Express Flight IX-1687, was caught at the exit.

On further examination, a cordless machine was found inside his check-in baggage. After opening it, one round piece of gold weighing 158 grams (0.34 lbs) worth Rs. 8 lakh (USD 10,969) was recovered.

A total of 588 grams (1.29 lbs) of gold worth Rs. 29.74 lakh (USD 40,779) was seized under the Customs Act in two cases by Chennai Air Customs. Further investigation into the matter is underway.