Customs officials at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport have taken legal action against a US passport holder after discovering a significant amount of undeclared foreign goods and currencies. The passenger, who arrived from Hong Kong on Flight No CX-695, was singled out during routine profiling by Customs officers. Following X-ray and physical screenings, officials seized items like 1.2 kg of gold and diamond jewelry, 10 kg of silver utensils, luxury watches from brands like Rolex and Cartier, and various foreign currencies totaling Rs 5.42 crore.
The confiscated goods, which also included $9,084, 605 Euros, and HK$2,540, were not declared upon arrival, leading to their seizure under Section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962. While 552 grams of domestically purchased gold items were exempted, the passenger was arrested under Section 104 of the same Act. Investigations are ongoing to trace the origins of the smuggled items and identify any potential accomplices. Customs officials emphasized the importance of declaring all dutiable goods and currency to avoid legal penalties under the Customs Act.
“The operation highlights the Customs personnel’s dedication to preventing illicit imports of high-value items and foreign currency, ensuring compliance with the law,” stated an official. The rigorous checks and profiling procedures are part of continuous efforts to combat smuggling and uphold India’s economic interests.
