In a detailed written reply to an Unstarred Question in the Lok Sabha on Monday (December 1, 2025), the Ministry of Finance released significant data revealing thousands of prosecutions launched against smugglers of gold and narcotics over the past three financial years. The disclosure highlights both the vast scale of smuggling operations and the government’s aggressive enforcement action through Customs and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).
The Member of Parliament had sought information on seizures at airports and seaports, anti-smuggling measures, and the number of cases in which prosecution was initiated.
Massive Gold Seizures at Airports Continue
Airports remain the primary hub for gold smuggling, with thousands of cases detected annually. In FY 2023–24 alone, authorities seized 3,714.38 kg of gold worth ₹2,081.39 crore across 5,962 cases. The previous fiscal year saw 4,018 cases involving 2,775.88 kg of gold valued at ₹1,381.55 crore.
In FY 2025–26 (up to October 2025), officials intercepted 259.63 kg of gold worth ₹254.39 crore, indicating persistent trafficking attempts.
Gold smuggling at seaports remained negligible, with only isolated cases surfacing.
Narcotics Seizures Reveal Evolving Trends
Narcotics smuggling showed fluctuating yet alarming patterns. In FY 2024–25, officials seized 5,027.69 kg of narcotics valued at ₹8,027.42 crore from 275 cases—the highest in the three-year period. Airports also witnessed consistent detection in FY 2022–23 and FY 2023–24, with seizures crossing 1,000 kg each year.
At seaports, FY 2022–23 recorded a major haul of 14,491.75 kg, including 13,864 kg of licorice roots soaked in heroin, showcasing sophisticated concealment techniques. Subsequent years saw a drop in seaport seizures.
Government Details Strong Anti-Smuggling Measures
The Ministry explained that Customs field formations and the DRI maintain “constant vigil” supported by:
- Intelligence-driven targeting
- APIS-based passenger profiling
- Non-intrusive inspection systems
- Risk-based interdiction
- Rummaging of aircraft and cargo
- Coordination with multiple agencies
- Real-time monitoring of new concealment methods
Officials undergo specialized training, and enforcement strategies are continuously updated to counter emerging smuggling trends.
Over 2,500 Prosecutions Launched: Breakdown Shows Strong Legal Action
The government shared extensive prosecution data reflecting its strict stance under the Customs Act, 1962 and the NDPS Act, 1985.
Gold Smuggling – Airports
- 2022–23: 481 cases prosecuted; 759 persons involved
- 2023–24: 473 prosecutions; 280 persons
- 2024–25: 253 prosecutions; 374 persons
- 2025–26 (up to Oct 2025): 117 prosecutions; 186 persons
Gold Smuggling – Seaports
Minimal prosecution:
- 2022–23: 3 cases; 0 persons
- 2023–24–2025–26: No prosecution
Narcotics Smuggling – Airports
- 2022–23: 144 prosecutions; 139 persons
- 2023–24: 153 prosecutions; 179 persons
- 2024–25: 209 prosecutions; 253 persons
- 2025–26 (up to Oct 2025): 209 prosecutions; 326 persons
Narcotics Smuggling – Seaports
Low but consistent:
- 2022–23: 7 prosecutions; 18 persons
- 2023–24: 3 prosecutions; 6 persons
- 2024–25: 0 prosecutions; 3 persons
- 2025–26 (up to Oct 2025): 0 prosecutions; 0 persons
The cumulative figures—crossing 2,500 individuals prosecuted—underscore the government’s stringent enforcement posture against smuggling networks.
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