![[NECN]091812_soundtrack_7A-E_NECN1500kMP4_640x360_2280632629.jpg](https://media.nbcmiami.com/2019/09/gold-bars-generic.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&resize=320%2C180)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection found nearly six pounds (2,704 grams) of gold that was painted black being smuggled into a Florida airport on Wednesday.
The undeclared gold was disguised as belt buckles, bracelets and keychains and is valued at about $170,000, officials said. It was found at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport.
“Gold is one of the top ten items smuggled globally, either to evade import duties or to launder the illicit profits of Transnational Criminal Organizations, “ Stephen Balog, the agency's acting Fort Lauderdale port director, said in a news release.
The passenger with the black painted gold was arriving from Columbia. It was seized and Homeland Security Investigations agents are investigating the case.
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