A 10% hike in import duty seems to have triggered the rise in smuggling attempts. (Photo for representation)
The Customs department has seized 8 kg of gold costing more than ₹11 crore allegedly smuggled through airports in Kerala in the past one week, the agency said on Sunday (August 2, 2026). The seizures were made in 14 separate cases.
Nine individuals, including six Keralites and three natives of Tamil Nadu, have been arrested by the Customs in these connection.
The agency, in a communication, said the recent cases indicate the use of highly sophisticated concealment methods by organised international smuggling networks. “Smugglers are increasingly attempting to evade detection by converting gold into paste or compound form, concealing it inside specially tailored clothing, body cavities, aircraft seats, and other unconventional locations,” it said.
Hike in import duty
Customs sources said most of the 14 cases were linked to passengers from the Gulf countries. A 10% hike in import duty seems to have triggered the rise in smuggling attempts, a Customs source said. The Customs said seizures and arrests in some cases were made in association with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and the Kerala Police.
The Customs sleuths in the State have also seized foreign currency to the tune of more than ₹3 crore going out through the airports in the State. A Customs source said the illegal outflow of foreign currency was likely to increase as smuggling of gold increases as it was used to purchase gold from abroad.
Published – August 02, 2026 06:27 pm IST
