Surat: Customs officials at Surat International Airport (SIA) seized 237.66 grams of concealed 24-carat gold valued at approximately Rs 37 lakh during a rummaging operation on an incoming flight from Dubai on Sunday.
Seizure by Air Intelligence Unit
The seizure was carried out by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Customs after Air India Express Flight IX-274 arrived at SIA. During a routine inspection of the aircraft, officers discovered an abandoned black velvet pouch near seat 21B. The pouch contained a kada with a silver-coloured outer coating, which raised suspicion.
Examination and Verification
The ornament was sent to an authorized valuer for examination. The assessment revealed that the kada had gold concealed beneath its outer layer. Detailed verification confirmed the presence of approximately 238 grams of 24-carat gold, with the net recoverable gold weighing 237.65 grams. The seized gold was valued at nearly Rs 37 lakh.
Unclaimed Gold Seized
No passenger or crew member came forward to claim ownership of either the pouch or the ornament. Since the gold remained unclaimed, Customs officials seized it under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act.
