New Delhi, July 22 -- In what is being described as the largest-ever gold smuggling attempt at Surat International airport, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) claimed to have successfully intercepted 28 kilograms of gold paste concealed on a middle-aged Indian couple.

The duo, residents of Gujarat, arrived on Air India Flight IX-174 from Dubai on the night of July 20.

During a security check, CISF personnel found the gold paste meticulously strapped around their midsections and upper torsos. Officials said the woman was carrying 16 kg of gold paste, while the man had 12 kg on him.

"Based on concentration levels of the paste, officials estimate the pure gold yield to be over 20 kg. This is likely the biggest gold haul in the a...