DRI Busts Major Gold Smuggling Network; 15 Kg Gold, 45 Kg Silver Worth ₹23 Crore Seized, 15 Arrested

In one of its most significant anti-smuggling operations in recent months, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a sophisticated international gold smuggling network operating through multiple entry points across India. The coordinated crackdown resulted in the seizure of approximately 15 kilograms of smuggled foreign-origin gold, 45 kilograms of silver, and Indian as well as foreign currency, with the total value of the seized assets estimated at nearly ₹23 crore. Fifteen individuals have been arrested in connection with the operations.

Mumbai Airport Syndicate Exposed

The largest breakthrough came in Mumbai, where DRI investigators uncovered a well-organised gold smuggling syndicate that had established an elaborate network extending from airport operations to illegal gold processing facilities.

During the investigation, officials identified and raided a clandestine gold melting unit that was allegedly being used to erase the identity of foreign-origin smuggled gold by converting it into melted bullion, making it difficult for enforcement agencies to trace its origin.

The operation led to the recovery and seizure of nearly 6 kilograms of smuggled foreign-origin gold from the melting facility.

Authorities arrested nine individuals connected to different stages of the smuggling operation. Those taken into custody include an airport staff member, the handler coordinating the smuggling activities, three intermediaries involved in the movement of the contraband, the operator of the illegal melting facility, and three persons engaged in processing the smuggled gold.

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According to DRI, the case demonstrates the increasing sophistication of organised smuggling syndicates, which are now relying on insider assistance at airports and complex distribution networks to avoid detection by enforcement agencies.

Passenger Caught Smuggling Gold Paste at Bengaluru Airport

In a separate operation at Bengaluru, DRI intercepted an international passenger carrying approximately 1.8 kilograms of 24-carat gold in paste form.

Officials found that the passenger had ingeniously concealed the gold paste within multiple layers of clothing in an attempt to evade customs scrutiny.

Subsequent searches conducted at the individual’s residence resulted in the seizure of an additional 1.5 kilograms of gold jewellery, nearly 45 kilograms of silver, and both Indian and foreign currency. The passenger has been arrested under the applicable provisions of the Customs Act.

Simultaneous Operations Across Multiple States

Apart from the Mumbai and Bengaluru operations, DRI carried out coordinated enforcement actions at several airports, railway stations, and land customs stations across the country.

Searches conducted at Hyderabad, Rajkot, Kozhikode (Calicut), Visakhapatnam, Guwahati, and the Petrapole land border led to the seizure of another six kilograms of foreign-origin smuggled gold. These operations also resulted in the arrest of five additional persons allegedly involved in smuggling activities.

Continuing Crackdown on Gold Smuggling

The series of coordinated operations reflects the DRI’s intensified efforts to combat organised gold smuggling networks that continue to exploit international passenger routes and other transit channels.

Investigators believe such syndicates are increasingly adopting sophisticated concealment techniques, using insider support and illegal refining facilities to integrate smuggled gold into the domestic market while avoiding regulatory scrutiny.

With the latest operations, DRI has dealt a significant blow to organised gold smuggling, recovering contraband and precious metals worth around ₹23 crore and apprehending 15 individuals allegedly linked to the illicit trade. Further investigations are underway to identify additional members of the network and trace the broader financial and logistical links behind the smuggling operations.