West Bengal: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) dismantled a West Bengal gold racket after seizing 24 kg of foreign-origin smuggled gold worth about ₹34 crore. Officials also arrested seven people during the intelligence-led operation in Nadia district.
The operation targeted a well-organised smuggling network operating along the Indo-Bangladesh border. DRI officers intercepted seven suspects travelling on separate motorcycles from Krishnanagar towards Chakdaha.
During personal searches, officers recovered 180 foreign-marked and defaced gold bars. The accused had concealed the bars inside specially stitched cloth belts wrapped around their waists to avoid detection.
The seized gold weighed about 24 kg. Authorities confiscated the consignment under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Investigation into West Bengal gold racket continues
The seven accused were taken into custody after the operation.
According to preliminary investigations, the carriers had collected the smuggled gold from locations near the Indo-Bangladesh border. They were transporting the consignment for delivery to another group of carriers.
Officials are now tracing the entire smuggling network. They are also identifying others linked to the operation and examining the supply chain behind the racket.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence said the investigation is continuing.
