155g gold powder found on Malaysia-based man at Jama Masjid Metro
Synopsis
A Malaysia-based man was nabbed at Delhi's Jama Masjid Metro Station after CISF spotted 155g of gold powder-like substance hidden in his backpack — and then chased him down when he tried to flee. With narcotics rules out and customs declining jurisdiction, authorities fell back on the Delhi Police Act, leaving the substance's legal status unresolved.
Key Takeaways
Shuaib , originally from Muzaffarnagar, UP and resident of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia , was apprehended at Jama Masjid Metro Station on 17 October 2026 .
Approximately 155 grams of a gold powder-like substance was found concealed inside an undergarment in his backpack.
Shuaib allegedly attempted to flee the baggage screening area; CISF personnel chased and caught him near the exit gate.
The Narcotics Department examined the substance and confirmed it is not a narcotic or psychotropic material.
Customs authorities declined to act, citing lack of jurisdiction; proceedings were initiated under the Delhi Police Act .
Shuaib told police he worked in the textile sector and had arrived in Delhi on 16 October , staying at a hotel in the Jama Masjid area.
A man with links to Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur was apprehended at Delhi's Jama Masjid Metro Station on 17 October 2026 after CISF personnel discovered approximately 155 grams of a gold powder-like substance concealed inside an undergarment in his backpack. The accused, identified as Mohd. Shuaib, a native of Khalapar in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, was unable to provide any documentary proof of ownership or a satisfactory explanation for possessing the material, prompting authorities to initiate legal proceedings against him under the Delhi Police Act.
How the Interception Unfolded
According to police, a dense, suspicious object flagged on the X-ray baggage screening system first drew CISF personnel's attention. When security staff attempted a closer examination, Shuaib allegedly tried to flee the screening area. CISF personnel gave chase and apprehended him near the station's exit gate before he could leave the premises. He was subsequently taken into custody for questioning.
Who Is Mohd. Shuaib
During preliminary interrogation, Shuaib told police he resided in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and worked in the textile sector. He disclosed that his wife is a Malaysian citizen and that the couple has two children, both Malaysian nationals. He had reportedly arrived in Delhi on 16 October carrying the substance and was staying at a hotel he identified as Wasir in the Jama Masjid area. On the day of his arrest, he was at the metro station intending to travel to Lajpat Nagar.
What Narcotics and Customs Authorities Found
Police initially suspected the recovered material could be a narcotic or psychotropic substance. The Narcotics Department was contacted and examined the substance, but ruled out that possibility entirely. Customs authorities were also informed and asked to initiate appropriate legal action; however, they declined, stating the matter did not fall within their jurisdiction. With neither narcotics nor customs law applicable, proceedings were initiated at the Supreme Court Metro Police Station under the Delhi Police Act.
What Happens Next
Notably, the recovered substance remains unclassified under any specific law, raising questions about which agency holds jurisdiction over unexplained possession of materials that resemble precious metals but lack documentation. The case has been registered at the Supreme Court Metro Police Station, and further investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the substance has been sent for metallurgical testing to formally establish its composition.
Point of View
Weighs 155 grams, and is found hidden in a traveller's undergarment cannot be fully actioned because narcotics law doesn't apply and customs won't claim it. That gap — where an unidentified material of potential high value slips between regulatory silos — deserves attention beyond this single arrest. Metro stations serve as soft borders between international arrivals and the city's interior, and this incident underscores that CISF's alertness is only as useful as the legal frameworks waiting on the other side.
NationPress
19 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested at Jama Masjid Metro Station with gold powder?
The arrested person is Mohd. Shuaib, originally from Khalapar in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, who also disclosed a residential address in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He was apprehended on 17 October 2026 after CISF personnel found approximately 155 grams of a gold powder-like substance hidden in his backpack.
What is the gold powder-like substance found at Jama Masjid Metro?
The substance has not been formally identified in publicly available reports. The Narcotics Department confirmed it is not a narcotic or psychotropic material, but no metallurgical classification has been disclosed. Shuaib could not produce any documents explaining ownership or origin.
Why did Customs authorities not take action in the Jama Masjid Metro case?
Customs authorities informed police that the matter did not fall within their jurisdiction and declined to initiate proceedings. As a result, legal action was taken under the Delhi Police Act at the Supreme Court Metro Police Station.
How did CISF catch Mohd. Shuaib at the metro station?
A dense object appeared on the X-ray baggage screening system, prompting CISF personnel to attempt a closer examination. Shuaib allegedly tried to flee the screening area, but security personnel immediately gave chase and caught him near the station's exit gate.
What charges has Mohd. Shuaib been booked under?
Shuaib has been booked under the Delhi Police Act for failing to establish ownership of the recovered substance or provide a satisfactory explanation for its possession. The case has been registered at the Supreme Court Metro Police Station and investigation is ongoing.
