The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has intensified its nationwide action against organised gold-smuggling networks, seizing around 41 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at nearly Rs 62 crore in a series of intelligence-driven operations. The coordinated operations conducted across several locations have resulted in the arrest of 24 people, including three foreign nationals.
The investigations have revealed increasingly sophisticated methods used by smuggling networks to conceal and transport gold through airports, railway routes, vehicles and the Indo-Bangladesh border.
Gold Processing Facility Unearthed in Delhi
In Delhi, DRI officers conducted simultaneous searches on September 7 at premises associated with an individual suspected of procuring and converting smuggled foreign-origin gold. During the searches, officers discovered a manufacturing facility operating from a residential property.
The facility was equipped with machinery used for melting, rolling and die-cutting gold. Four foreign-origin gold bars weighing 1 kg each and approximately 6.2 kg of gold chains manufactured from smuggled bars were recovered. The total seizure in the operation was around 10.2 kg of gold, and the owner of the facility was arrested.
On September 8, another DRI team intercepted a vehicle in Delhi that had travelled from Punjab. Officers recovered approximately 1.21 kg of gold along with foreign currency valued at around Rs 43.50 lakh. One person was arrested in connection with the seizure.
Border and Railway Routes Under Scrutiny
During September 5–6, DRI, working with the Border Security Force (BSF), intercepted an individual near the Indo-Bangladesh border at BOP Halderpara. The operation led to the recovery of 89 foreign-origin gold bars weighing approximately 11.3 kg. As the individual was unable to establish lawful possession of the gold, it was seized under the Customs Act, 1962. The person subsequently admitted involvement in smuggling and was arrested.
At Howrah Railway Station, DRI officers also intercepted a passenger travelling under a different identity. Four defaced foreign-origin gold bars weighing approximately 4.6 kg were discovered concealed in a specially designed cloth belt worn around the passenger’s body. Investigators found that the gold had been melted and converted into defaced bars before being sent onward to Mumbai. The passenger and an associate were arrested.
Airport-Based Smuggling Syndicates Exposed
In Mumbai, DRI uncovered an organised syndicate involving transit passengers, airport personnel and recipients of smuggled gold. During an operation on September 9–10, an airport employee suspected of facilitating the clandestine removal of gold from the airport was intercepted after a pursuit of nearly 50 km.
Three capsules containing gold dust in wax form were recovered from the employee. Further investigation revealed that the capsules had been handed over by a transit passenger inside the airport. Follow-up action resulted in the interception of two transit passengers arriving from Muscat and Dubai while allegedly transferring additional gold capsules.
In total, eight capsules containing gold dust weighing 3.47 kg were seized. Five people, including two transit passengers, two airport employees and a recipient, were arrested.
Operations Across Multiple States
DRI also seized gold from a passenger travelling by train from Kolkata to Mumbai, recovering 1.6 kg of foreign-origin gold. In another case, an approximately 700-gram, 24-carat gold bar was concealed inside the motor of a treadmill imported from Hong Kong. Follow-up searches resulted in the recovery of dismantled machinery and concealment tools, with two people, including a Chinese national, arrested.
In Uttar Pradesh’s Chandauli district, DRI and local police recovered 22 foreign-origin gold bars weighing approximately 2.56 kg from a box concealed beneath a vehicle gearbox. Preliminary findings indicated that the gold had been smuggled from Bangladesh.
Further seizures were reported at Bengaluru, Chennai and Calicut airports. At Kempegowda International Airport, about 1 kg of gold was recovered from baggage carried by a passenger travelling under a false identity. In Chennai, two passengers arriving from Sri Lanka were found carrying gold concealed internally, yielding 2.5 kg of 24-carat gold. Investigators also uncovered suspected involvement of airport insiders.
In Calicut, DRI seized 1.7 kg of gold in two cases, including gold concealed in capsules and a packet hidden inside a child’s diaper, as well as approximately 1 kg concealed within the metallic ring of a coffee machine.
The DRI said its intelligence-led and coordinated operations are aimed at dismantling smuggling networks at different stages of the supply chain and preventing the illegal entry and circulation of foreign-origin gold in India.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
