New Delhi:A gold smuggling gang was busted at Indira Gandhi International Airport following the arrest of eight people and the recovery of 6.5 kg of gold worth Rs 9 crore. The gold was concealed in the form of chains, coloured silver and black, and hidden beneath two seats on a flight from Dubai to Delhi.“Acting on a tip-off, officials thoroughly searched the flight, which arrived from Dubai Monday and recovered gold concealed beneath two seats in three small bags. After investigation, eight passengers, including a woman, who had arrived on the same flight, were arrested in connection with the case,” said a senior customs official Wednesday.Officials said their modus operandi is unique. “The group frequently travelled to Dubai under the pretext of attending exhibitions and would smuggle gold back by wearing it in the form of jewellery, believing this method would avoid suspicion and allow for easy passage,” said the official.The seized gold weighs 6.5 kg and is valued at around Rs 9 crore. After their arrest and medical examination, the accused were produced before Patiala House Court, from where they were sent to judicial custody for 14 days. “Further investigation is under way to crack the entire conspiracy,” said the official.
