DRI Foils Major International Gold Smuggling Operation
In a significant operation against international gold smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully dismantled a well-organized syndicate believed to be operating from Dubai and Bangladesh. The operation, which took place in Delhi and Agartala, resulted in the seizure of over 29 kilograms of gold and a cash haul amounting to ₹2.90 crore.
Key Arrest and Major Seizures
Acting on reliable intelligence, DRI officials apprehended a prominent member of the smuggling syndicate on January 6, 2025. The suspect was caught in a domestic logistics warehouse while accepting two shipments from Agartala, Tripura. A thorough examination of these consignments led to the discovery of 15 kilograms of foreign-origin gold, marked with international refinery insignias, valued at around ₹20.73 crore.
Simultaneous Searches Uncover More Gold and Cash
Alongside the key arrest, simultaneous searches across various locations in Delhi and Agartala yielded an additional 14.2 kilograms of foreign-origin gold and ₹2.90 crore in cash, comprising both Indian and Bangladeshi currency. In total, DRI seized 29.2 kilograms of gold, estimated to be worth approximately ₹40 crore, along with cash from the syndicate’s operations.
Operation Details and Investigation Insights
The initial findings from the investigation indicate that the syndicate was allegedly smuggling gold into India through the Indo-Bangladesh border in Tripura. After crossing the border, the gold was reportedly transported to Delhi using domestic cargo services, facilitated by local operatives and handlers based in Dubai and Bangladesh who managed jewelry shops in Agartala. The operation underscores the DRI’s commitment to intercepting illicit gold flows, thereby aiming to protect India’s economic integrity and promote a fair trading environment. Following the successful crackdown, four members of the smuggling syndicate have been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing to uncover further details about the organization and its networks.
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