Breaking: Customs Seize Gold Worth Over ₹1.5 Crore Hidden Inside Iron Press At Hyderabad Airport

A major gold-smuggling attempt was foiled at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport after customs officials intercepted a passenger who had concealed over ₹1.5 crore worth of gold inside an electric iron press. The operation was triggered by specific intelligence inputs, as routine baggage checks initially revealed nothing suspicious. The passenger, appeared to be carrying only personal belongings, but detailed inspection of his iron press raised officials’ curiosity. Upon dismantling the device, officers discovered cleverly packed gold hidden within its internal components, making the smuggling attempt nearly undetectable without prior information. Officials stated that the gold was molded to fit the structure of the press, indicating a sophisticated method used by trained smugglers who aim to bypass traditional scanning procedures. The seizure highlights an alarming rise in innovative smuggling techniques at international airports, where everyday household items are increasingly used to transport contraband. Customs authorities have intensified surveillance and are coordinating with intelligence networks to track similar operations. The accused passenger has been detained for questioning, and further investigations are underway to identify the syndicate behind the attempt. Officials emphasized that such operations reaffirm the effectiveness of targeted intelligence in preventing large-scale smuggling into the country.