Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru successfully thwarted an unusual gold smuggling attempt on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. An Indian passenger, identified as Mohd Siraj, was apprehended with 82 grams of gold concealed within two capsules hidden inside his mouth.
The incident unfolded around 7:30 AM in the Security Hold Area (SHA) of Terminal 1. Siraj was undergoing a pre-emigration security check for a flight to Ghaziabad when Sub-inspector Deepak Kumar Sharma, stationed at the screening point, noticed his suspicious behavior and unresponsiveness during the process.
Unusual Concealment Method Discovered
CISF officials reported that Siraj had arrived in Bengaluru from Dubai at 4:17 AM and was scheduled for a domestic departure at 9:20 AM. During questioning prompted by his suspicious demeanor, the concealed capsules reportedly "popped out" of his mouth, revealing the illicit cargo.
A source close to the investigation explained the smuggler's unusual modus operandi: "The passenger thought the body scanner would not go over his shoulder and it would be best to place them in his mouth during screening." This creative, albeit ultimately unsuccessful, method highlights the increasingly diverse tactics employed by smugglers attempting gold smuggling at Indian airports.
Investigation Underway
Following the recovery of the two yellow-metal capsules, each weighing approximately 40 grams, they were sent for a purity check. Officials stated that the exact nature and market value of the gold have not yet been definitively established. Mohd Siraj was subsequently handed over to airport police authorities for further investigation.
This case adds to a growing list of gold smuggling incidents at Indian airports, where authorities have recently intercepted attempts involving concealment in shoes, various body cavities, and clothing. A detailed probe into the matter is ongoing to uncover any larger networks involved in the illicit trade.