In a significant blow to trans-border smuggling networks, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a well-coordinated international gold smuggling syndicate with operational links spanning Dubai, Bangladesh, and India. The enforcement action resulted in the seizure of foreign-origin gold weighing over 29 kilograms, valued at approximately ₹40 crore, along with cash amounting to ₹2.9 crore.
Acting on precise intelligence inputs, DRI officers carried out coordinated search operations on January 6, 2025, at multiple locations in Delhi and Agartala, Tripura. During the operation, a key operative of the syndicate was intercepted at a domestic logistics warehouse in Delhi while attempting to take delivery of two consignments that had originated from Agartala.
A detailed examination of the consignments led to the recovery of 15 kilograms of foreign-origin gold, bearing markings of international refineries. The seized gold was assessed to be worth around ₹20.73 crore.
Parallel searches conducted simultaneously at various premises in Delhi and Agartala led to the discovery of an additional 14.2 kilograms of foreign-origin gold. Officers also recovered cash worth approximately ₹2.90 crore, comprising both Indian and Bangladeshi currency notes.
In total, the operation culminated in the seizure of 29.2 kilograms of smuggled gold valued at about ₹40 crore and cash worth ₹2.9 crore under the provisions of the Customs Act. The DRI has also arrested four individuals identified as members of the smuggling syndicate.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the syndicate was illegally routing gold into India through the porous Indo–Bangladesh border in Tripura. The smuggled gold was then transported to Delhi using domestic cargo and logistics services. The racket was allegedly facilitated through the active involvement of handlers operating from Dubai and Bangladesh, along with local collaborators, including jewellery shop operators based in Agartala.
The DRI stated that such enforcement actions are part of its ongoing efforts to curb illicit trade, disrupt international smuggling networks, and protect India’s economic and fiscal interests. By intercepting illegal gold flows, the agency aims to maintain market integrity and promote a transparent and lawful trading ecosystem.
Further investigation into the broader network and financial trails of the syndicate is currently underway.
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