Air Customs officials seized 389 grams (0.85 lbs) of gold worth Rs. 18.66 lakh (USD 25,474) from southern India's Chennai International Airport on February 26. The suspect was intercepted at the terminal of the airport.

Visuals witnessing the smuggled items feature a dismantled fan heater and a facial steamer on the counter. The officials recover several gold strips concealed within the transformer of the appliances and assemble them after seizing all the illicit items.

A 21-year-old passenger, identified as Mohamed Nasif, of Ramanathapuram arriving from Dubai by Indigo flight 6E-66 was intercepted by the officials based on suspicion of carrying gold. Furthermore, the authorities confiscated two carton boxes that the person was carrying as his check-in baggage for further examination.

On opening the carton boxes, one 'Olsenmark' fan heater and one 'Phyopus' facial nano steamer were discovered. On dismantling them, one transformer with yellow-colored metal strips was recovered from each appliance.

Moreover, on breaking the transformers, 52 gold strips, including 26-E shaped strips weighing 297 grams (0.65 lbs) and 26 rectangular strips weighing 92 grams (0.2 lbs) were recovered and seized by the officials.

A total of 389 grams (0.85 lbs) of gold valued at Rs. 18.66 lakh (USD 25,474) were retrieved and seized under the Customs Act. Furthermore, an investigation into the matter is underway.