Rs 27 Crore Jacob & Co Billionaire Wristwatch Seized At Delhi Airport, Passenger Arrested?

In what is being described as the 'biggest seizure' of luxury goods at Delhi airport, a man has been detained for allegedly attempting to smuggle seven expensive wristwatches, including a diamond-studded timepiece worth more than Rs 27 crore.

Customs seizes Rs 27 crore watch at Delhi Airport

According to an official statement, the seizure was made by a passenger, an Indian national, who was intercepted by the customs officials after his arrival from Dubai on Tuesday.

PTI

While all seven watches are outrageously expensive, it is the one made by American jeweller and watchmaker Jacob & Co. that has grabbed the headlines. The exorbitant, customised billionaire piece made of gold and studded with diamonds costs a whopping Rs 27 crore.

The detailed examination of the baggage and the personal search of the passenger resulted in the recovery of seven luxurious watches, one diamond-studded gold bracelet, and one iPhone 14 Pro.

Total value of seized goods is Rs 28.17 crore

Of the seven seized watches, the Piaget Limelight Stella watch was worth Rs 30.95 lakh, and five Rolex Oyster Perpetuals were worth around Rs 15 lakh each. The total value of the seized goods is Rs 28.17 crore.

PTI

According to Zubair Riaz Kamili, Commissioner of Customs at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, it is the largest commercial or luxury goods seizure in terms of value.

"In value terms, it is equivalent to seizing around 60 kg of gold in one instance," Kamili said.

The watches have been seized and the passenger was arrested.

A senior customs official said the accused passenger and his uncle have a retail outlet for expensive watches in Dubai with branches in other places in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

PTI

"He was carrying the watches for delivery to a high-profile client in Delhi. The passenger was to meet his client, said to be from Gujarat, at a five-star hotel in Delhi. The client did not turn up for the meeting. So far, the accused has also not disclosed the name of the client saying he fears for his life," the official told PTI, wishing anonymity.

"Alert customs officers at Delhi Airport have made this possible in spite of having such high passenger traffic. Indian Customs has always ensured maximum facilitation with minimal disturbance to genuine passengers, while simultaneously ensuring the safeguard of economic frontiers by curbing smuggling," Chief Commissioner, Delhi Customs Zone, Surjit Bhujabal said in a statement.

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