The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted an organised syndicate involved in the smuggling, illegal melting, and clandestine sale of foreign-origin gold across Delhi and Kolkata, leading to the seizure of gold, silver, and cash collectively valued at more than ₹14.13 crore. Six individuals linked to the racket have been arrested.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 8,286.81 grams of gold valued at approximately ₹13.41 crore, 7,350.4 grams of silver worth about ₹19.67 lakh, and Indian currency amounting to ₹51,74,100. The recoveries were made under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
The investigation began when DRI officers acted on specific intelligence regarding the movement of smuggled gold. Officials intercepted a passenger who had arrived in New Delhi from Kolkata by train. The passenger was found carrying foreign-marked gold intended to be delivered to an accomplice waiting outside the New Delhi Railway Station.
Both the carrier and the intended recipient were immediately apprehended by the authorities.
Based on disclosures made during interrogation, DRI officers conducted follow-up searches at multiple locations in Delhi. These searches led to the discovery of an illegal gold melting facility operating within the city.
Officials found that the facility was being used to melt and deface foreign-origin gold, thereby removing identifying markings before the metal was sold in the local bullion market. During the search, additional quantities of gold, silver, and cash were recovered from the premises. The manager responsible for running the melting unit was also apprehended.
Further investigation took the DRI team to Kolkata, where the alleged mastermind of the syndicate was traced to another illegal melting facility. Officials recovered additional quantities of defaced gold from the premises.
The mastermind was arrested along with two carriers who admitted during questioning that foreign-marked gold smuggled into India was melted to erase identification marks and then transported by train to Delhi for distribution in the domestic market.
In total, six persons involved in the smuggling, transportation, melting, and distribution of the gold have been arrested. They were produced before the competent court following their arrest.
Authorities stated that the case is still under investigation, and further leads are being pursued to identify additional members of the smuggling network and trace the larger supply chain behind the illegal gold trade.
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