The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has uncovered an unusual gold-smuggling method at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, where powdered foreign-origin gold was concealed by mixing it with everyday packaged food products.
DRI officers from the Mumbai Zonal Unit intercepted three Indian passengers arriving from Dubai during the early hours of September 23, 2026. The operation was carried out with assistance from the Air Intelligence Unit and Mumbai Airport Customs.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: 9.40 kg foreign-origin gold seized at Mumbai airport.
Location: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai.
Authority/Organisation: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Mumbai Zonal Unit, with assistance from AIU and Mumbai Airport Customs.
Action Taken: Gold powder concealed in packaged food products was recovered; three passengers were arrested.
Impact: The operation exposed a sophisticated method allegedly used to move foreign-origin gold into India.
A detailed examination of the passengers' baggage revealed around 33.50 kg of food products containing gold powder. The substances had been blended into products chosen for their similar colour, texture and consistency, making the concealed gold difficult to identify through routine examination.
The products included milk powder, oats, rice flour, other flours, Nutella and coconut milk powder, among other packaged food items.
Following segregation and assaying, authorities recovered approximately 9.40 kg of foreign-origin gold, valued at around ₹14.81 crore. The gold was seized under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Gold smuggling networks continue to develop new ways of concealing precious metals from detection. In this case, the gold was converted into powder and mixed with ordinary food products, including milk powder, oats and flour. The method was designed to make the material appear similar to legitimate packaged food products. The seizure also highlights the role of intelligence-led passenger screening and detailed baggage examination in detecting sophisticated concealment methods.
During questioning, the three passengers admitted to acting on behalf of the same organised gold-smuggling syndicate, according to the DRI. All three were subsequently arrested under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
