Jakarta, Aug. 18 -- The Indonesian National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency (Bareskrim) has uncovered an alleged illegal gold smuggling scheme in which gold was melted into powder and processed into a gel to evade detection by airport security officers.

The scheme came to light after investigators raided a house and the White Classic Gold & Silver jewelry store in Sunter, North Jakarta, on Monday (Aug 17) as part of an investigation into the alleged smuggling of gold to Dubai by Indian nationals.

The Director of Certain Crimes (Dittipidter) at Bareskrim, Brigadier General Moh Irhamni, explained in a video statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday that the suspects melted gold bars into powder using a specialized device.

The powde...