DRI Uncovers Major Smuggling Operations Nationwide, Arrests 20
In a sweeping campaign against organized smuggling and trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has executed a series of strategic operations across India this week. These efforts culminated in the seizure of a variety of illegal goods, including foreign-origin gold, heroin, and prohibited wildlife products, among others. Notably, 20 individuals were apprehended, highlighting the scale and sophistication of the smuggling networks being targeted.
Gold Seizures
A standout operation occurred on July 29 at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, where DRI officers arrested two foreign nationals arriving from Dubai. A detailed inspection revealed a secret compartment within their trolley that held 40 gold bars weighing 4 kilograms. The gold, traced back to foreign sources, is valued at approximately Rs. 14 crore.
Earlier in the week, DRI and Border Security Force teams collaborated along the Indo-Bangladesh border, resulting in the seizure of around 3.2 kilograms of gold from three suspects. Additionally, another 2.2 kilograms of gold were confiscated through separate operations in locations including Varanasi and Tamil Nadu, leading to a total seizure of nearly 9.5 kilograms of gold.
Wildlife Contraband
The DRI’s operations extended to the protection of endangered wildlife. In a significant find, officers intercepted a shipment attempting to illegally import 14 metric tonnes of Guggul resin from Pakistan. This resin, valued at Rs. 1.4 crore, had been misdeclared as genuine resin from Somalia. The involved individuals were arrested, drawing attention to the need for rigorous enforcement against wildlife trafficking.
In a separate incident near Chennai, DRI agents uncovered 142 logs of red sanders concealed within a truck. Weighing around 4.8 metric tonnes, these logs are protected species under CITES and are valued at approximately Rs. 2.50 crore. Three suspects linked to this illicit operation were also arrested.
Narcotics Busts
In Manipur, intelligence efforts led to the recovery of 2.7 kilograms of heroin hidden in soap cases, with two individuals taken into custody. Meanwhile, in Mumbai, DRI officers apprehended two foreign women carrying synthetic narcotic drugs, including 2 kilograms of amphetamine and MDMA.
DRI operations at major airports also resulted in a seizure of 25 kilograms of hydroponic weed from passengers arriving from Bangkok. This underscores the growing challenge of drug trafficking in the region.
Prohibited Products
Continuing their efforts against illegal imports, DRI officers seized 9,230 electronic cigarettes at Nhava Sheva Port, misdeclared as LED lights. With a total worth of about Rs. 3.70 crore, these e-cigarettes are banned under Indian law.
In an additional raid in Mizoram, DRI seized 14.5 metric tonnes of poppy seeds and 14 metric tonnes of areca nuts, both classified as restricted items. The items, valued at Rs. 3.6 crore, were suspected to have been smuggled across the Indo-Myanmar border.
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