26 iPhones Walk Into A Customs Office… And Only One Walks Out!

In a significant bust, customs officials at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi intercepted a woman passenger attempting to smuggle in 26 newly-launched iPhone 16 Pro Max devices. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in curbing smartphone smuggling at international borders.

Concealment Method Revealed

According to officials, the woman had cleverly concealed the high-tech smartphones within her vanity bag, wrapping them in tissue paper to avoid detection. This attempt to bypass customs regulations caught the attention of officials based on intelligence inputs received prior to her arrival.

Estimated Value of Seized Phones

The confiscated iPhones, which are the latest model in Apple’s lineup, have an estimated total value exceeding ₹37 lakh (approximately $44,500). The iPhone 16 Pro Max, being the top-tier model in the series, is highly sought after, making it a prime target for smugglers.

Ongoing Investigation

Following the seizure, customs officials have initiated further investigations to uncover the broader network behind this smuggling attempt. The authorities are focusing on how the woman acquired such a large quantity of high-end smartphones and whether she is part of a larger smuggling operation.

This incident serves as a reminder of the stringent measures in place to prevent the illegal importation of goods and the ongoing efforts of customs officials to combat smuggling activities at airports.