Watch | How Customs officials seized 30 kg of gold worth Rs 15 crore from a diplomatic cargo

Customs officials seized about 30 kg of gold worth Rs 15 crore reportedly from a cargo shipment of a diplomat based in Thiruvananthapuram on July 5. The illegal gold was concealed in door knobs, pipes, car tyre pump and a speaker, Customs officials told CNBC-TV18.

The department received a tip off about gold being smuggled through AIR Cargo Complex at the Thiruvananthapuram airport. Initially, the consul was adamant and asked for the consignment to be sent back, however, Customs officials in the meantime received permission from the External Affairs Ministry to open and examine the baggage, the Chief Customs Commissioner of Thiruvananthapuram said in a statement.

The door knob package in which some of the smuggled gold was found. (Image: Screenshot from video/CNBC-TV18)

A block of gold being retrieved from the door knob. (Image: Screenshot from video/CNBC-TV18)

Two former employees of the Consulate General of UAE -- Swapna Suresh-secretary to the CG and Sarith, PRO -- allegedly colluded to smuggle in the gold via cargo meant for consul.