DRI Seizes ₹65 Crore Worth of Foreign-Origin Gold in Nationwide Smuggling Crackdown

Nationwide Operations and Major Seizures

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) carried out a series of intensive, intelligence-led operations across the country to dismantle major international gold smuggling syndicates. Law enforcement teams recovered over 42 kilograms of foreign-origin gold alongside significant quantities of silver, pushing the total estimated market value past ₹65 crore. The nationwide raids exposed sophisticated and complex smuggling networks operating through airports, land borders, coastal routes, and private residential hideouts.

• Federal enforcement teams coordinated simultaneous raids across multiple states, resulting in the immediate arrest of 25 individuals, including five foreign nationals.

• In West Bengal's Nadia district, security forces recovered 125 foreign-origin gold bars weighing over 15 kg from a residential home near the international border.

• Mumbai airport officials intercepted a separate smuggling ring involving nearly 7 kg of gold dust concealed inside wax capsules.

• Additional recoveries were made in Kerala, Guwahati, and Tamil Nadu, highlighting widespread logistical tactics used by illegal trade rings.

Investigation Details and Agency Reports

The extensive operations shed light on the diverse methods utilized by syndicates to move contraband past security checkpoints and customs barriers. Detailed updates published by the Press Information Bureau highlight that [intelligence teams tracked transit routes linked to Dubai, Bangkok, and Malaysia, uncovering insider complicity at key transport terminals](cite: 1.2.2). Meanwhile, reports from The420 note that [suspects used clever concealment techniques, ranging from hiding gold bars inside household appliances to packing wax capsules within body cavities and stitched clothing layers](cite: 1.1.2). Furthermore, analysis shared by Shunya Tax News points out that [coastal operations in southern India intercepted maritime routes originating from Sri Lanka, demonstrating the multi-pronged nature of the syndicates](cite: 1.1.1).

Outlook for Border and Customs Enforcement

As the investigation progresses, enforcement agencies are tightening surveillance across all major entry points to curb financial losses and illegal market activities. Strengthening inter-agency cooperation remains critical to cracking down on cross-border smuggling networks.