The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 29.37 kilograms of gold worth approximately ₹37.74 crore at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the Mumbai Zonal Unit of the DRI launched a targeted operation codenamed “Operation Dahabu Blitz” to dismantle the smuggling network. The term “Dahabu” is derived from the Swahili language, where it means gold.
According to officials, 24 foreign women arriving from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, were intercepted at the airport. Upon detailed examination, authorities recovered 25.1 kilograms of gold bars and 4.27 kilograms of gold jewellery concealed within their baggage and clothing.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the women had undergone specialized training to expertly conceal gold and evade airport security checks. This indicates the involvement of a highly organized and well-coordinated international smuggling syndicate.
All 24 accused have been arrested and are set to be produced before the court. Officials stated that further investigation is underway to trace the masterminds and uncover the larger network behind the operation.
The seizure marks one of the biggest gold smuggling busts in recent times, underscoring the DRI’s intensified efforts to curb economic offenses and cross-border smuggling activities.
