In a significant move against foreign-origin gold smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended nine individuals, including an airport employee in Mumbai, and confiscated a substantial amount of precious metal. The DRI uncovered a gold melting facility used for melting smuggled gold from abroad, leading to the arrest of nine individuals involved in the smuggling chain. The syndicate’s operations highlighted the increasing sophistication of organized gold smuggling networks that exploit insider access at airports.
In a separate operation in Bengaluru, the DRI seized 1.8 kg of 24 KT gold cleverly concealed within an international passenger’s garments. Further searches at the passenger’s residence resulted in the confiscation of gold jewelry, silver, and currencies. The DRI conducted operations at various locations, resulting in the seizure of 6 kg of foreign-origin gold, valued at approximately Rs 23 crore, and the arrest of five individuals. The cumulative operations led to the seizure of around 15 kg of gold and 45 kg of silver, with a total value of Rs 23 crore.
Earlier, the DRI dismantled a sophisticated gold smuggling syndicate at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai under ‘Operation Golden Drop.’ The operation, based on specific intelligence, led to the interception of three kg of foreign-origin gold worth Rs 4.8 crore. Investigations revealed a well-coordinated modus operandi involving the concealment of gold dust in wax form inside specially designed capsules carried by transit passengers into Mumbai.
