The Customs authorities at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport seized a cache of luxury items from two Indian nationals arriving from Milan on July 14. The seizure, valued at Rs. 69.23 lakhs, included 59 iPhones, 2 Airpods, 1 iPad Air, 3 pairs of Gucci goggles, and 1 pair of Gucci sneakers. Acting under the Section110 of the Customs Act, 1962, officials arrested the individuals upon their arrival at the terminal. A thorough personal search and baggage examination led to the discovery of the smuggled goods concealed among their belongings. The Delhi Customs ( Airport and General ) has shared the seizure officially through its ‘X’ account. It stated that : “Based on profiling, Customs@IGI Airport have seized 59 iPhones along with other luxury goods collectively valued at Rs. 69.23 Lakhs from two Indian nationals who arrived from Milan. The passengers have been arrested under Customs Act 1962. Further investigation is underway.”
Section 110 of the Customs Act grants authority to proper officers of Customs to seize goods, documents, and items if there is a belief that they are liable to confiscation. When the proper officer determines that it is impractical to physically remove, transport, or store the seized goods, the officer may leave the goods in the custody of the owner, beneficial owner, or any person claiming to be the importer, provided they sign an undertaking not to remove or deal with the goods without permission. Additionally, if seizing the goods is not feasible, the officer can issue an order to the relevant person, prohibiting them from removing or dealing with the goods without prior authorization.
