Mangaluru International Airport (MIA), Karnataka’s second busiest airport, has witnessed a rise in gold smuggling activities, with a staggering 148.5 kg of gold seized between 2019 and December 2024. Customs officials have reported that gold was recovered in 346 smuggling cases, with smugglers continuously altering their methods. On average, MIA sees around 30 kg of gold seized per year, which equates to approximately 2.5 kg monthly.
A significant portion of this gold — nearly 90% — comes from passengers arriving from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Many of those involved in these smuggling cases hail from neighboring Kerala and Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada. Over the past five years, MIA has recorded at least five gold smuggling incidents per month. Although the pandemic briefly reduced cases due to limited flight operations, incidents surged again once air travel resumed.
Customs officials noted that most smugglers are first-time offenders, often used as “carriers” by larger gold smuggling cartels. Despite thorough frisking procedures, which have become more stringent due to the limited number of flights, smugglers continue to find new ways to bypass security checks.
While gold smuggling was once primarily associated with the UAE, customs officials have observed a shift, with smugglers now sourcing gold from various Gulf countries. The methods of concealment have also evolved, with one of the most common techniques being hiding gold in the rectum. Other creative methods include hiding gold in trolley bags, mobile phone back covers, chocolate boxes, milk powder containers, and biscuit packets. Additionally, gold has been concealed in clothing items like trousers, shirt loops, undergarments, shoe soles, and socks.
Electronic gadgets have also become popular for smuggling, with gold hidden in car speaker magnets, LED bulbs, wristwatches, power adapters, and even ballpoint pens. Other odd concealments include using trolley bag rods, stainless steel scourers, rhodium-coated coins, and even children’s toys. One unusual case involved a woman hiding gold in a hair rubber band, while another saw 347g of gold concealed in kheer mix packets. In a particularly bizarre incident, a 21-month-old child’s diaper was used to smuggle gold.
Despite these challenges, MIA’s customs officials remain vigilant, continuing to intercept smuggled gold. However, the ever-evolving tactics employed by smugglers show no signs of slowing down.
Read also: