The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Mumbai uncovered a sophisticated gold smuggling syndicate at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Under the operation named ‘Operation Golden Drop,’ officers seized three kilograms of foreign-origin gold valued at around Rs 4.8 crore and apprehended one individual. The investigation unveiled a well-coordinated method where gold dust was turned into wax and concealed in egg-shaped capsules ingested by transit passengers.
The smuggled gold was later retrieved by an airport cleaning staff member and discreetly taken out of the premises. This operation exposed an organized network exploiting transit passenger channels to smuggle gold into the country while evading customs duties. The DRI’s swift response highlighted their intelligence network and enforcement actions against smuggling syndicates.
Amid government efforts to combat gold smuggling and protect economic interests, the seizure is significant. The DRI’s recent actions at the airport have led to the arrest of individuals attempting to smuggle diamonds worth over Rs 5.7 crore to Bangkok. The suspects had concealed diamonds in capsules inside their bodies, which were later recovered during questioning. Investigations are ongoing to dismantle the smuggling syndicate.
