How Did a Passenger Smuggle 7 Gold Biscuits Inside His Body at Agartala Airport?
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Synopsis
In a shocking incident at Agartala Airport, CISF officials discovered seven gold biscuits worth Rs 88 lakh hidden inside a passenger's body. This alarming case highlights the ongoing issue of gold smuggling between India and Bangladesh, raising questions about border security and illegal trade networks. What measures will be taken to combat this growing problem?
Key Takeaways
- Seven gold biscuits valued at Rs 88 lakh were smuggled by a passenger.
- CISF officials conducted a successful recovery operation.
- Gold smuggling is a recurring issue in the region.
- The incident highlights security challenges at the India-Bangladesh border.
- Authorities are investigating the smuggling network involved.
Agartala, Nov 12 (NationPress) Officials from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport in Agartala uncovered seven gold biscuits, worth approximately Rs 88 lakh, hidden within the rectum of a passenger, according to reports released on Wednesday.
A Customs representative indicated that the CISF operatives detected the illicit gold during a routine check on a passenger preparing to fly to Lucknow via Kolkata.
The confiscated gold biscuits weigh around 740 grams and are assessed to be valued at Rs 88 lakh. Following necessary medical procedures, Customs officials, aided by medical staff from a private hospital in Agartala, successfully extracted the gold from the passenger's body.
The passenger, along with a travel companion and the confiscated gold, was transferred to Customs for further legal proceedings.
A Customs official noted that a case has been initiated, with an investigation underway to identify the origins and network involved in this smuggling attempt.
A police spokesperson revealed that initial investigations indicate that the gold was likely smuggled from Bangladesh and was en route to Lucknow as part of an illegal trading operation.
Reports of gold smuggling incidents at MBB Airport and across the state’s borders have surfaced regularly, according to officials.
Previously, the Border Security Force (BSF) confiscated 2.18 kg of smuggled gold, valued at Rs 1.71 crore, from a border village in Tripura’s Sepahijala district.
According to a BSF official, vigilant troops discovered the gold—comprising bars, biscuits, and nuts—during a search operation near the India-Bangladesh border.
The confiscated gold has been handed over to the Customs Department for further investigation.
Tripura shares an 856 km-long border with Bangladesh, surrounded on three sides by the neighboring nation, making it particularly susceptible to smuggling and cross-border criminal activities. While most sections of the border are fenced, officials mentioned that isolated, unfenced areas still present security risks. Following the unrest in Bangladesh last year, particularly after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government on August 5, 2024, the BSF has intensified surveillance along the frontier.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the growing threat of smuggling operations that exploit our borders. The incident at Agartala Airport exemplifies a broader challenge that our customs and border security face daily. With ongoing vigilance and enhanced security measures, we must ensure the safety of our nation against such illegal activities.
NationPress
13/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Agartala Airport?
A passenger was caught smuggling seven gold biscuits worth Rs 88 lakh inside his rectum.
How was the gold discovered?
CISF personnel detected the gold during routine checks and recovered it after medical procedures.
What is the estimated weight of the seized gold?
The gold biscuits weigh approximately 740 grams.
Where was the passenger trying to travel?
The passenger was scheduled to travel to Lucknow via Kolkata.
Is gold smuggling common in this region?
Yes, incidents of gold smuggling have been reported regularly at MBB Airport and along the borders with Bangladesh.
