DRI Uncovers Major Gold Smuggling Operation, Seizes Assets Worth Rs 14.13 Crore
Synopsis
On March 15, the DRI revealed a major gold smuggling operation, seizing assets exceeding Rs 14.13 crore. Six individuals were arrested in connection with this sophisticated network. Discover how they operated and the ongoing investigation.
Key Takeaways
The DRI has seized assets worth over Rs 14.13 crore.
Six individuals have been arrested in connection with the smuggling operation.
The syndicate used trains to transport gold and melted it to avoid detection.
Seizures were made under the Customs Act, 1962.
The investigation continues to trace other network members.
New Delhi, March 15 (NationPress) The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has exposed a sophisticated gold smuggling operation, seizing gold, silver, and Indian currency with a total worth exceeding Rs 14.13 crore, as reported by the Ministry of Finance on Sunday.
Officials have apprehended six individuals linked to the scheme.
The agency revealed that this syndicate was involved in the illicit transport of foreign-origin gold into India, utilizing trains for transit, melting the gold at clandestine facilities to erase identification marks, and subsequently distributing it in the local bullion market.
In the operation, DRI officials confiscated 8,286.81 grams of gold valued at approximately Rs 13.41 crore, 7,350.4 grams of silver worth Rs 19.67 lakh, and Indian currency amounting to Rs 51.74 lakh.
The seizures were executed under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
This case emerged following the DRI's response to specific intelligence, leading to the interception of a passenger arriving from Kolkata at the New Delhi Railway Station.
The passenger was found carrying foreign-marked gold intended for delivery outside the station. Both the carrier and the intended recipient were swiftly apprehended by officials.
Following their disclosures, DRI teams conducted subsequent searches in Delhi, revealing an illegal gold melting facility.
Investigators discovered that this unit was utilized to melt foreign-origin gold, erasing its identification marks prior to selling it in the local market.
Additional quantities of gold, silver, and cash were recovered from the site, and the facility's manager was also arrested.
Further investigations traced back to Kolkata, where the alleged mastermind of the syndicate was identified at another illegal melting operation.
More defaced gold was seized during this operation. The mastermind, along with two carriers, confessed to receiving smuggled foreign-marked gold, melting it to remove markings, and subsequently sending it to Delhi via train for distribution.
Officials confirmed that all six individuals involved in the smuggling, transportation, melting, and sales of gold have been arrested and presented before a competent court.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to identify additional members of the network and trace the origins of the smuggled gold.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the DRI's significant efforts in combating organized crime. This operation reflects the agency's commitment to safeguarding the economy and ensuring that illegal activities are addressed promptly and effectively, prioritizing national interests.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the value of the seized assets?
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has seized assets worth over Rs 14.13 crore, including gold, silver, and Indian currency.
How many people were arrested in this operation?
A total of six individuals were arrested in connection with this gold smuggling operation.
What methods did the smuggling syndicate use?
The syndicate smuggled foreign-origin gold into India via trains, melted it to remove identification marks, and sold it in the domestic market.
Under which act were the seizures made?
The seizures were made under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes, the investigation is ongoing to identify other members of the network and trace the source of the smuggled gold.
