New Delhi/Mumbai : In a significant operation against organised gold smuggling networks, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a syndicate involved in large-scale illicit gold trafficking, resulting in the seizure of 29.37 kg of gold worth approximately ₹37.74 crore and the arrest of 24 individuals.
Based on precise intelligence inputs, DRI officials tracked a coordinated group of women passengers arriving from Nairobi who were suspected of attempting to smuggle substantial quantities of gold through Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, on Monday.
Under the code-named operation “Dhahabu Blitz,” enforcement teams intercepted 24 foreign nationals upon arrival. A swift and coordinated search led to the recovery of 25.10 kg of gold bars along with 4.27 kg of gold jewellery concealed by the passengers.
Preliminary findings indicate that the network operated as a structured syndicate, deploying trained carriers and carefully planned concealment methods to bypass airport security and customs checks.
The DRI reiterated its continued resolve to break such transnational smuggling rackets, which pose a serious threat to India’s economic security, fiscal stability, and national interests.