Mangaluru: The officers of customs at Mangalore International Airport on Thursday seized gold – which was painted silver and fixed in the suitcase handle buckle holders, ladies handbag buckles and jeans trouser buttons.

The worth of smuggled gold, which weighs over 1,033 grams, is estimated to be Rs. 27 lakhs.

They were hidden in the trolley suitcase by a passenger, who arrived from Dubai.  The passenger is Abdul Gaffoor Kadappuram (44), son of Ahamed Kunhi, of Kanhangad, Kerala.

He arrived at Mangalore International Airport on Thursday by Jet Airways flight 9W531 from Dubai.

Further investigation is under progress.