Air Customs officials seized gold worth Rs. 4.30 crore (USD 5,89,404) from southern India's Chennai International Airport on January 22. The suspects were intercepted at the terminal of the airport.

Visuals witnessing the smuggled items feature several blue, black, and white bundles, crammed with gold inside it. A gold chain is also seen amid the following packets recovered from the scene. In addition to that, several molten chunks of these precious metals are also retrieved amid the illicit assets.

Around 17 passengers, including four women who had arrived from Dubai by Fly Dubai flight FZ 8515 and Emirates flight EK 542, were intercepted at the exit on suspicion of carrying gold. On search, 48 bundles of gold paste weighing 9.03 kg (19.9 lbs) were recovered from the rectum. On extraction, 7.72 kg (17 lbs) of these precious metals worth Rs. 3.93 crore (USD 5,38,687) was retrieved. On further examination, about 12 gold cut bits weighing 386 grams (0.85 lbs), and one chain weighing 74 grams (0.16 lbs) were seized from their pant pockets and handbags.

Total 8.18 kg (18 lbs) of gold valued at Rs. 4.16 crore (USD 5,70,214) was recovered and seized. Nine people were arrested, including one woman.

In another case, a 28-year-old identified as Kalandar Ilyas of Ramanathapuram, who arrived from Sharjah by Indigo flight 6E 8245 was intercepted at the exit. On search, three bundles of gold paste weighing 310 grams (0.68 lbs) were retrieved from the rectum. On extraction, 271 grams (0.59 lbs) of gold valued at Rs. 14 lakh (USD 19,189) was recovered and seized.

Total 8.45 kg (18.6 lbs) of gold worth Rs. 4.30 crore (USD 5,89,404) was seized by the Chennai Air Customs in 18 cases. An investigation into the matter is underway.