Customs officials at International Airport in southern India’s Kerala have intercepted a passenger arriving from Doha via Dubai, seizing 1.028 pounds (466.5 grams) of gold worth ₹30 lakh ($36,000 USD) concealed inside the soles of his shoes.


The incident took place at the International Airport in Cochin on August 12.


Visuals showed a passenger arriving at Cochin International Airport concealed eight gold chains inside the soles of his shoes. Customs officials discovered the hidden gold during a thorough examination. The chains, totaling 466.5 grams, were seized.


In a significant bust, customs officials at Cochin airport seized 466.5 grams of gold on Monday. The gold, valued at over ₹30 lakh ($36,000 USD), was hidden within the soles of the shoes of a passenger arriving from Doha via Dubai. Acting on intelligence tips, officers from the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) scrutinized the suspect at the airport’s exit gate. A detailed examination revealed eight gold chains concealed inside the shoe soles.


Earlier, on August 9, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) had seized 1,390.85 grams of gold from a passenger at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The gold, smuggled from Dubai, was hidden in two large yellow-colored metal bars and a metal chain found in the passenger’s left shoe and backpack. The DRI intercepted the suspect at the International Arrival Hall, further highlighting the ongoing efforts to curb gold smuggling.


Both cases underscore the vigilance of Indian customs authorities in intercepting illegal gold smuggling operations and maintaining airport security.