Iranian held with gold worth over Rs 35 lakh at New Delhi airport

An Iranian national has been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle into the country gold valued at nearly Rs 36 lakh at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi.

The accused was intercepted by the customs officials after his arrival from Tehran on Tuesday. During search, he was allegedly found carrying seven gold chains which were tied around his ankles, a press release issued on Thursday by the customs said.

The gold weighing 1.3 kgs and valued at Rs 35.88 lakh was seized, it said, adding that the passenger has been arrested.

"We have informed Iran Embassy here about the arrest," said Vinayak Azaad, Additional Commissioner of the customs at the airport.