A passenger traveling from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to New Delhi was intercepted by customs officials at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Wednesday, following intelligence input, officials reported on Thursday.
Customs officials explained that security personnel at the airport detected suspicious images during an X-ray scan of the passenger's luggage. Upon further inspection, authorities discovered a silver-colored bar, weighing 117 grams, concealed inside a cream box. The bar is believed to be gold.
"Based on intelligence, a passenger traveling from Riyadh to Delhi on the flight dated 26.11.2024 was stopped by Customs at the IGI Airport as they exited the green channel. An X-ray of their baggage revealed suspicious images, and further examination led to the recovery of a silver-colored bar weighing 117 grams, hidden inside a cream box," Delhi Customs (Airport & General) shared on social media.
The authorities seized 7.321 kg of suspected white heroin, valued at approximately Rs 29.28 crore, and the Indian passenger was booked for the offense. The individual was apprehended after passing through the green channel and heading toward the exit of the international arrival hall. A search revealed seven green polythene packets containing the white narcotic substance in the passenger's trolley bag.
The passenger violated several provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and was arrested under Section 43(b) of the NDPS Act on Sunday at 8 pm, according to officials.