In a dramatic operation at Chennai International Airport, officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully intercepted a sophisticated attempt to smuggle gold into India. The contraband, weighing a substantial 2.75 kilograms and valued at a staggering Rs 3.71 crore, was ingeniously concealed inside the hollow rods of exercise dumbbells.
The Tip-Off and Airport Interception
Acting on specific intelligence, a dedicated team of DRI sleuths positioned themselves at the international arrival terminal on Tuesday. Their focus was passengers disembarking from an IndiGo flight originating in Penang, Malaysia. The officials identified and intercepted two individuals whose behaviour and luggage raised suspicions.
A thorough examination of their checked-in baggage led to the discovery of two pairs of dumbbells. Upon closer inspection, the weights did not appear intact. The officers decided to break them open, revealing the secret compartments within the rods. Inside, they found 2.75 kg of gold meticulously hidden.
Arrests and Passenger Claims
The two carriers, identified as Malaysian nationals—one man and one woman, were immediately taken into custody. The gold was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act.
During preliminary questioning, the arrested passengers presented a common defence seen in such cases. They claimed to have been tricked by unknown persons at Penang airport into carrying the luggage, allegedly unaware of its illicit contents. The DRI is investigating these claims as part of the wider probe.
Probing the International Smuggling Route
Preliminary investigations by the DRI suggest a complex international smuggling route. Officials suspect the gold may have originated from Dubai or Singapore. It is believed the metal was first flown to Penang, possibly to create a less suspicious travel trail, before being attempted to be smuggled into Chennai, a major Indian metro and a known target for such syndicates.
This seizure highlights the increasingly creative methods employed by smuggling networks to bypass airport security. Using common gym equipment like dumbbells represents an attempt to exploit the ordinary appearance of such items. However, the vigilance of the DRI team, based on precise intelligence, proved decisive in thwarting this high-value smuggling attempt.
