The accused was intercepted after his arrival from Riyadh.
"On detailed examination of his baggage and personal search, twelve gold bars weighing 1.4 kg, having a market value of Rs 41.65 lakh, were recovered from the passenger," a press release issued by the customs department said.
The bars were concealed in the compressor of a water dispenser being brought by him, the statement said.
The passenger has been arrested and the gold bars seized, it said.