By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI: Continuing its sustained crackdown on organised smuggling of precious metals, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has carried out a series of intelligence-driven operations across the country, resulting in the seizure of 15 kg foreign-origin smuggled gold, 20 kg silver, cumulatively valued at around ₹22 crore and Indian currency of ₹2.20 crore, Thirteen persons have been arrested so far in the operations.
On 17.07.2026, DRI officers in New Delhi unearthed a major operation involving illegal possession of smuggled precious metals and cash. During the operation, the officers seized around 5 kg foreign-origin gold, 20 kg silver, collectively valued at around ₹7.37 crore and Indian currency worth ₹2.20 crore, believed to be the sale proceeds of the smuggled goods. Two persons were arrested.
Previously on 15-16.07.26, acting on an intelligence, DRI officers in Delhi intercepted an Indian passenger at IGI Airport, New Delhi, who had arrived from Bagdogra and recovered around 1 kg foreign-origin gold, valued at around ₹ 1.35 crore, ingeniously concealed inside the metallic frame rods of his luggage. The passenger was arrested.
In another intelligence led operation conducted during 15-16.07.2026, DRI dismantled an organised gold smuggling syndicate operating through Mumbai Airport and seized around 5 kg 24-carat gold dust in wax form, valued at around ₹7.50 crore. The gold was smuggled by three foreigners, who were transiting through Mumbai airport. The smuggled gold dust in wax form was ingeniously concealed inside their undergarments and was transferred through a network of compromised airport staff during their transit. DRI officers also intercepted three airport staff involved in facilitating the clandestine removal of smuggled gold. All six persons were arrested. The operation once again highlighted the insider threat involving compromised airport staff in facilitating gold smuggling through airports.
On 15 and 16 July 2026, in two separate operations in West Bengal, DRI officers intercepted 2 vehicles in Bidhannagar and Bardhaman, which was carrying foreign-origin smuggled gold and recovered a total of 32 foreign-origin gold biscuits weighing around 4 kg, ingeniously concealed inside a specially fabricated cavities in the vehicles. The seized gold is valued at around ₹6 crore. Four persons were arrested in connection with the case.
