Customs Officials Seize Gold and Silver Coins Worth ₹47.16 Lakh at Delhi Airport

Air Customs officials stationed at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi intercepted two passengers arriving from Doha and seized 484 silver coins alongside one gold coin, collectively valued at ₹47.16 lakh. Preliminary evaluations by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) indicate that 134 of the recovered silver coins appear to possess ancient historical significance. The two travelers were intercepted by customs officers upon their arrival at IGI Airport on September 2. A detailed inspection of their baggage led to the discovery of 20.883 kilograms of gold and silver coins. According to an official statement issued by Customs, the passengers attempted to clear the baggage through airport channels without declaring the items to authorities. The seizure has raised regulatory concerns, as items of potential historical or archaeological value are subject to strict legal oversight, statutory restrictions, and specific documentation requirements for cross-border movement. Officials plan to conduct further technical examinations to determine the exact age, origin, and historical significance of the seized coinage. The ongoing investigation aims to verify how the passengers acquired the coins and whether they held the required legal authorizations to transport them into India. The interdiction was carried out as part of routine screening and baggage checks conducted on international arrivals at IGI Airport. Both passengers are currently undergoing questioning as customs authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the shipment, including whether the items were acquired legally and transported in compliance with applicable import regulations.