DRI Uncovers Major Gold Smuggling Ring in Mumbai, Four Arrested
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Mumbai, April 15 (NationPress) – The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully dismantled a gold smuggling operation in Mumbai, leading to the arrest of four suspects. In the course of this operation, authorities confiscated gold and silver worth approximately Rs 6 crore, along with cash totaling around Rs 3.71 crore.
The DRI had gathered specific intelligence indicating that two individuals were preparing to deliver a shipment of smuggled gold at a shop on Dhanji Street in Kalbadevi. Responding swiftly to this information, DRI agents set up surveillance at the site and identified the suspects. They were apprehended while entering the shop.
Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to possessing smuggled gold, which was in the form of cut pieces and bars, intended for sale. A subsequent search of the premises yielded cash amounting to Rs 39.50 lakh, alongside 3,540.27 grams of gold, provisionally valued at Rs 5.50 crore, and 18,827 grams of silver valued at Rs 46.69 lakh.
The seized cash and silver are believed to be the proceeds from the sale of the illicit gold. Following this, searches were conducted at the residence of one of the arrested individuals in Madanpura, where officials uncovered large bundles of Indian currency totaling Rs 3.31 crore.
Additionally, agents found equipment such as cash-counting machines, a gold weighing machine, and a gold bar cutter at the suspect's home. A notebook containing accounts linked to suspected smuggling transactions was also confiscated, but the accused provided no satisfactory explanation or documentation regarding the entries.
The DRI identified two suspects, M.I. Damudi and I.A. Damudi, who were reported to be involved in the smuggling operation and were intercepted while attempting to deliver a consignment of smuggled gold.