Saffron and gold worth Rs 15.5 lakh (USD 20846) was seized by the customs officials in two separate seizures in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

The incident took place in Chennai International Airport of Chennai on November 4.

The video shows the recovered saffron and gold being taken out of a packet it was hidden inside. The seized item is seen placed on the table for investigation.

Based on intelligence inputs that saffron and gold were being smuggled from Dubai, a passenger named Mohamed Abbas travelling by Fly Dubai flight FZ8517 was intercepted at the exit.

On searching his check-in baggage 14 packets of Bharang saffron were found concealed inside weighing a total of 5.6 kg (12.35 lbs) worth Rs 13.4 lakh (USD 18021).

Another person named Balamurugan aged 36 who arrived from Riyad in Emirates Flight EK9414, came for clearance for his personal and household goods.

One packet of date paste was found inside a carton box among other items, and on opening the packet two gold bars of 20 grams (0.044 lbs) each were found. In total 0.088 lbs (40 grams) of gold worth Rs 2.1 lakh (USD 2824) was recovered.

The customs officials are investigating both cases.