Bengaluru: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized about 15 kg of foreign-origin smuggled gold worth nearly ₹23 crore and arrested 15 people after conducting coordinated operations across multiple locations, dismantling an organised smuggling network that operated through Mumbai Airport. The DRI gold seizure also exposed an illegal gold-melting facility used to erase the identity of smuggled bullion.
Officials said the Mumbai operation uncovered a sophisticated syndicate that involved airport staff, handlers, intermediaries and operators of a clandestine melting unit. Investigators arrested nine people linked to the network. They also recovered about 6 kg of foreign-origin smuggled gold from the melting facility.
According to DRI, the syndicate used insider access at the airport and multiple distribution layers to move smuggled gold while avoiding detection. The agency said the case reflected the growing sophistication of organised gold smuggling networks.
Bengaluru operation uncovers concealed gold
In a separate operation, DRI officers intercepted an international passenger at Bengaluru and recovered 1.8 kg of 24-carat gold paste hidden inside specially designed layers of clothing.
The investigation later extended to the passenger’s residence. Officers seized around 1.5 kg of gold jewellery, 45 kg of silver, and Indian as well as foreign currency. They arrested the passenger in connection with the case.
Meanwhile, DRI also carried out enforcement operations at Hyderabad, Rajkot, Kozhikode, Visakhapatnam, Guwahati and Petrapole. These searches resulted in the seizure of another 6 kg of foreign-origin smuggled gold and the arrest of five more people.
The agency said the combined operations demonstrated its continued focus on disrupting organised smuggling networks and strengthening enforcement against illegal gold imports. Officials added that investigations into the syndicate and its wider links remain in progress.
