The problems from illegal mining in some parts of the world don’t stop at the local level. Illegally mined gold often needs to be smuggled long distances before it can be sold.
The Middle East and Asia are some areas where smuggling encounters are frequent.
In December, Customs agents in Mumbai recently arrested two travelers attempting to smuggle 24k gold powder encased in wax concealed in their rectum. The total seizure was roughly 2,048 grams, slightly more than 2 kilograms of gold.
The men claimed to have been paid to carry the gold and were in the process of transporting it from Saudi Arabia.
In separate incidents, authorities in India arrest two other passengers attempting to smuggle 3.497 kg of gold Lucknow airport.
In one incident, customs officials discovered the gold hidden inside a small coffee machine. On the same flight from Dubai, officials arrested a second man who had gold paste hidden in his rectum.
Since 2018, officials at Lucknow airport have arrested over 100 passengers and seized around 255 kg of gold worth from smugglers.
It’s important to remember that precious metals are consider monetary instruments in many countries. Silver and gold are easily exchangeable for local currencies anywhere in the world. However, when traveling internationally with gold and silver bullion, any value above $10,000 must be declared to customs officials upon arrival or you can face arrest and seizure of assets.
In most cases, jewelry is considered an exception to these rules. There are a variety of 24k gold jewelry items that are popular with investors who travel internationally.
