India, Sept. 24 -- Customs officials arrested eight passengers for allegedly smuggling around 6.5kg of gold worth nearly Rs.9 crore from Dubai to Delhi, officials aware of the matter said on Wednesday.

According to officials, the customs department received a tip-off regarding the gold on Emirates flight EK 514, which arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport from Dubai on September 21.

A detailed search of the flight was carried out, and gold was recovered in the form of chains concealed in three small bags placed under two flight seats, officials said.

According to customs officials, the recovered chains had been sprayed with silver and black-coloured material, to alter their appearance.

"Our officers conducted a thorough searc...