A passenger arriving from Melbourne has been arrested after Indian Customs officials allegedly uncovered 484 grams of 24-carat gold concealed in his possession at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar.

The seizure was made on the night of July 1 after the passenger arrived on Malaysia Airlines flight MH118 from Kuala Lumpur, Customs officials said.

Acting on suspicion, officers intercepted the male passenger and conducted a detailed examination, including X-ray screening and a personal search.

During the inspection, Customs officials recovered two 24-carat gold bangles and one gold chain weighing a total of 484 grams. The seized gold is valued at approximately ₹70.66 lakh (about A$126,000).

In a statement, Customs said, “On the night of 01.07.2026, Customs officers at SGRDJI Airport intercepted a male passenger arriving from Melbourne via Kuala Lumpur by Flight No. MH118. A detailed examination, including X-ray scanning and personal search, led to the recovery of 484 grams of 24 Carat gold in the form of two bangles and one chain, valued at ₹70,66,400.”

The recovered gold has been seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and the passenger has been arrested.

Authorities said investigations are continuing to determine the source of the gold and its intended destination.

Customs officials said surveillance of international passengers arriving at Amritsar airport has been intensified as part of an ongoing crackdown on gold smuggling, with stricter screening measures in place to prevent the illegal import of precious metals into India.

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