Source: @AirportGenCus (X)
On 25 September 2026, customs officers at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) apprehended three Indian passengers in Terminal 3 smuggling UAVs and UAV components into India. The cache consisted of ten Autel Robotics MDX-1 UAVs, eleven Autel Robotics Smart Controller V3s and various other UAV parts. Following a baggage search, custom officers seized UAVs and UAV components under Section 110(1) of the Customs Act, 1962. The UAVs were smuggled into India from Hong Kong via Vietnam and have a total market value of ₹1,03,55,900.
The UAVs are equipped with thermal imaging and laser range-finder capabilities meaning registration with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is required. According to officials the perpetrators were aware of this requirement.
For more information, please contact EWS.
Event ID: 22408.
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