New Delhi: In a major crackdown on organised smuggling syndicates, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized large quantities of foreign-origin gold, narcotic drugs, prohibited wildlife products, e-cigarettes and other contraband during a series of intelligence-led operations conducted across the country.
The Ministry of Finance said the coordinated operations resulted in the arrest of 20 persons, including five foreign nationals, highlighting the agency’s intensified efforts to dismantle organised smuggling networks operating across India.
According to the Ministry, DRI officers carried out multiple intelligence-driven operations at various locations during the week, leading to several significant seizures involving a wide range of smuggled and prohibited items.
The seizures included foreign-origin gold, narcotic substances, prohibited wildlife products, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and other contraband, reflecting the diverse nature of illegal trafficking activities being targeted by the agency.
The Ministry said the operations were based on specific intelligence inputs and formed part of DRI’s sustained campaign against organised crime syndicates involved in cross-border smuggling, illicit trade and trafficking of prohibited goods.
Officials stated that investigations are underway to identify the larger networks involved in these smuggling operations, trace the source and destination of the seized consignments, and uncover the financial and logistical links supporting the illegal activities.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence continues to strengthen intelligence gathering and inter-agency coordination to combat economic offences, prevent revenue leakage and curb the illegal movement of prohibited goods into and out of the country.
The Ministry of Finance reiterated that strict action will continue against individuals and organised criminal networks engaged in smuggling and other customs-related offences to safeguard the country’s economic and national security interests.