New Delhi: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) busted a major DRI gold smuggling syndicate operating across multiple states, seized around 9 kg of foreign-origin gold, 42 kg of silver and foreign currency worth ₹8.15 crore, and arrested eight people during coordinated operations.
The operation uncovered an illegal gold-melting facility in a residential area of Delhi. Investigators said the syndicate smuggled foreign-origin gold from the North Eastern region to Delhi by using multiple railway carriers on different routes to avoid detection.
On June 26, DRI officers intercepted two carriers at New Cooch Behar Railway Station in West Bengal and Mansi Junction in Bihar. Officers recovered nearly 2 kg of concealed gold bars from them. At the same time, officials apprehended two more suspects in Delhi with another 1.2 kg of smuggled gold. Their interrogation led investigators to the illegal melting unit, where all four accused were arrested.
Chennai operation exposes international funding link
Meanwhile, DRI officers intercepted a woman travelling from Sairang to Kolkata by train. They recovered 20 foreign-origin gold bars weighing about 3.3 kg from a specially designed waist belt. Officials arrested her under the Customs Act.
In another operation, DRI officers detected a foreign currency smuggling racket at Chennai Air Cargo. They seized USD 7,58,500 and Thai Baht 35,00,000, valued at about ₹8.15 crore. Authorities arrested three people who allegedly transported and delivered the currency.
Further investigation revealed that the foreign currency financed organised gold and silver smuggling into India. Acting on fresh leads, DRI officers intercepted a suspect at Bengaluru airport after his arrival from Dubai. They recovered 1.8 kg of smuggled gold from him. Subsequently, officers searched his residence and seized around 42 kg of silver, 700 grams of gold jewellery and ₹26.67 lakh in cash.
Officials said the investigation established a direct link between illegally exported foreign currency and the organised smuggling of precious metals into India. Moreover, DRI said it will continue coordinated operations to dismantle cross-border smuggling networks and strengthen enforcement against organised economic offences.
