DRI Busts Gold Smuggling Syndicates, Seizes 10 kg of Gold in Mumbai
Mumbai, 4th June 2023: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Mumbai has made significant seizures in two separate cases on the 3rd and 4th of June 2023, confiscating over 10 kg of gold.
In the first case, acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials intercepted two passengers arriving from Sharjah to Mumbai on Air India Express Flight No. IX 252. Upon examination, it was discovered that these passengers had concealed eight 24-karat gold bars with foreign markings, weighing a total of 8 kg, around their waist underneath their clothes. Swift action led to the apprehension of an additional associate linked to the passengers. The seized gold bars, valued at approximately ₹4.94 crore, were seized and three individuals were arrested in connection with the case.
In the second case, a passenger traveling from Dubai to Mumbai was intercepted at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport on the 3rd of June 2023. Upon examination of the passenger’s baggage, DRI officials discovered 56 ladies’ clutches (purses) with ingenious concealment of 24-karat gold. The gold was concealed in the form of silver-colored metal wires under the metallic strips of the clutches.
The recovered gold wires had a net weight of 2005 grams and a provisional value of Rs. 1,23,80,875/-. The passenger was arrested in connection with this case. The second seizure involved individuals who appeared to be well-educated and directly involved in planning and executing gold smuggling operations.
These cases have highlighted the novel modus operandi employed by smugglers and the challenges faced by DRI officers in combating gold smuggling syndicates. The seizures of foreign-marked gold and concealed 24-karat gold wires serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against gold smuggling at Mumbai International Airport.
In total, the DRI has seized approximately 10 kg of gold with an estimated value of 6.2 crore rupees. Four passengers have been arrested thus far, and further investigations are currently underway to uncover more details related to these cases.
