Surat Airport Records Largest Gold Smuggling Bust as Couple Caught with Over 20 kg of Gold Paste

In a major crackdown at Surat Airport, a couple returning from Dubai was caught attempting to smuggle over 20 kilograms of gold paste concealed under their clothing. Authorities have confirmed it to be the largest gold haul in the history of the airport.

The incident occurred around 10:00 p.m. on July 20, when a plainclothes officer from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) intelligence wing noticed the couple exhibiting an unusual walking pattern and bulges around their abdominal area, inconsistent with natural body contours.

The couple, both residents of Gujarat, had just landed from an Air India flight from Dubai. Acting on suspicion, the CISF officer alerted Customs officials at the airport.

A thorough physical check revealed that the duo had 28 kilograms of gold paste strapped around their midsections and upper torsos — 16 kg on the woman and 12 kg on the man. Based on the concentration of the gold in the paste, officials estimate the pure gold yield to be over 20 kilograms.

“This is likely the biggest gold seizure in the history of Surat Airport,” said a senior Customs officer involved in the investigation.

Officials credit the successful interception to the keen behavioural profiling by CISF personnel and effective collaboration between CISF and Customs.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details about the origin and intended delivery of the gold are yet to be released.