Mumbai: DRI Unravels Nationwide Gold Smuggling Network, Seizes 13.7 Kg Valued at Rs. 8.5 Crores
Mumbai, 2nd November 2023: In a sweeping pan-India operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully dismantled a gold smuggling syndicate, resulting in the confiscation of 13.7 kg of gold on 13/14.10.2023. Expanding on this breakthrough, the DRI unearthed another branch of the same syndicate engaged in gold smuggling via the land/rail route.
The DRI Mumbai team intercepted two individuals transporting smuggled gold by bus near Pune. Late in the night on 30.10.2023, they seized 5 kg of smuggled gold from the suspects. This operation exposed information about a handler based in a village in the Sangli district. Swiftly acting on this lead, DRI officers conducted a search at his residence early in the morning on 31.10.2023, revealing details of two more carriers smuggling gold from Varanasi to Nagpur.
The obtained information was promptly shared with the DRI Varanasi team, which initiated swift action and successfully intercepted the two carriers, resulting in the seizure of an additional 8.7 kg of smuggled gold on 31.10.2023.
The combined efforts of DRI Mumbai, Goa Regional Unit, and Varanasi teams culminated in the recovery of a total of 13.7 kg of smuggled gold valued at Rs. 8.5 Crores. A significant outcome of this operation is the arrest of five individuals, with three apprehended in Mumbai and two in Varanasi.
This operation underscores the DRI’s capability to adopt a coordinated approach to counter blatant smuggling attempts by various syndicates, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the nation’s borders.
