New Delhi: Customs officers at Indira Gandhi International Airport seized 10 drones, their accessories and an iPhone with a combined assessed value of more than ₹1 crore, and apprehended three Indian passengers in a suspected smuggling case on September 25, according to the department.
The passengers had arrived at Terminal 3 from Hong Kong via Vietnam on flights VN-593 and VN-981. Officers intercepted them while they were crossing the Green Channel, acting on intelligence developed by Customs personnel.
A detailed search of their baggage led to the recovery of 10 Autel Robotics MDX-1 drones with complete accessories and an iPhone 18 Pro Max, Customs said.
View the Airport Customs post on X
Thermal Imaging and Laser Range Finders
According to Customs, a chartered engineer’s assessment identified the equipment as professional-grade drones with thermal imaging and laser range finders, describing them as military/defence-grade unmanned aerial vehicles.
The department said each drone required mandatory registration with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Goods Valued at ₹1,03,55,900
The accessories recovered included controllers, gimbals with cameras, cables, propellers and joysticks, according to the Customs account.
A chartered engineer assessed the total market value of the recovered goods at ₹1,03,55,900.
Customs Seizes Goods, Investigation Underway
Customs said the passengers were apprehended and the goods seized under Section 110(1) of the Customs Act, 1962. Further investigation is underway.
