NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 29: Customs officials at Delhi airport have seized 10 professional-grade drones from three Indian passengers who arrived from Hong Kong via Vietnam, officials said.
The passengers were intercepted at Terminal 3 on September 25 while attempting to cross the green channel. The action was taken based on intelligence developed by customs officials.
A detailed examination of their baggage led to the recovery of 10 drones along with accessories, including controllers, camera-equipped gimbals, cables, propellers and joysticks.
According to the Customs Department, the drones were valued at more than ₹1.03 crore.
A Chartered Engineer’s assessment found that the drones were professional-grade unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with thermal imaging systems and laser range finders. The assessment classified them as military- or defence-grade UAVs requiring mandatory registration with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The three passengers were apprehended and the drones and related equipment were seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Officials said further investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the import of the drones and establish other relevant details.
