Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at the Chennai international airport spotted a small package being dropped from the executive lounge one floor above, overlooking the check-in area, and a passenger catching it discreetly. The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) officers were promptly alerted and began a probe into the matter. The AIU’s investigation revealed an elaborate gold smuggling operation, which allegedly involved a gang of five: three departing passengers, one transit passenger, a receiver outside the airport, and most importantly, the gap between a glass pane and the adjacent wall inside the lounge.
A well-coordinated smuggling operation was intercepted at Chennai International Airport. A transit passenger passed 550 grams of 24-carat gold paste, worth about ₹35 lakh, to another individual near the toilets. Customs officials apprehended three departing passengers and the receiver, though the transit passenger escaped. The gold paste was seized under the Customs Act. The operation exploited looser security in the departure area and the absence of restrictions on gold carried by departing passengers. Vigilance has been increased following this incident.
