Air Customs officials seized gold worth Rs. 1.60 crore (USD 2,19,304), and various other smuggled items worth Rs. 28 lakh (USD 38,378) from southern India's Chennai International Airport on March 3. The suspects were intercepted at the terminal of the airport.

Visuals witnessing the smuggled items feature six bundles of gold paste wrapped with black adhesive tape and three bundles in red adhesive tape. Moreover, three gold chains and three molten chunks of metal are also retrieved by the officials. Furthermore, several cases of AirPods, apple watches, iPhones, and cigarettes can be seen lying amid other illicit items.

Three passengers, identified as Naina Mohamed of Chennai, Jahir Hussain, and Ajith Ahamed, both of Trichy, who arrived from Dubai by Emirates flight EK-544, were intercepted at the exit on suspicion of carrying gold. On further investigation, nine bundles of gold paste weighing 3.65 kg (8.04 lbs) were recovered from their rectum. On extraction, 3.27 kg (7.2 lbs) of gold valued at Rs. 1.53 crore (USD 2,09,709) was seized.

Furthermore, five semi-finished gold chains weighing 150 grams (0.33 lbs) valued at Rs. 7 lakh (USD 9,594) were recovered from their pant pockets. A total of 3.42 kg (7.5 lbs) of gold worth Rs. 1.60 crore (USD 2,19,304) was seized under Customs Act, and all three involved were arrested.

Moreover, in search of their check-in bags, 19 iPhone 12 cases, 51 cigarette cartons, 15 AirPods, 19 apple watches, and 18 used laptops, valued at Rs. 28 lakh (USD 38,378) were recovered and seized. A total of Rs. 1.88 crore (USD 2,57,700) worth of smuggled goods were seized. Furthermore, an investigation into the matter is underway.