The Customs officials have seized 3,971 grams of gold valued at around ₹5.83 crore at the Tiruchi international airport in the past 10 days. Twelve DJI drones and 5 kg of hydroponic ganja were also seized by the Tiruchi Customs officers during the period.

Customs authorities have transferred five officers out of airport because of negligence of duty and instructions had been issued to be more vigilant while performing duty. Four hand held metal detectors for effective scanning of passengers had been procured and procurement of a full body x-ray scanning machine is in the advance stage.

Due to the increase in import duty on gold, attempts to smuggle gold had risen significantly. Customs authorities at all airports were maintaining strict surveillance to prevent smuggling and safeguard national economic interests. Officers were also ensuring that passenger facilitation systems were not misused for smuggling activities, a press release from the Tiruchi Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate said.