DRI foils attempts of gold smuggling, seizes 65.46 kg of gold at Mumbai, Patna and Delhi in one of the biggest seizures of Smuggled Gold in the recent past
Continuing the streak of significant seizures, in a major swoop down, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 394 pieces of foreign origin gold bars weighing approximately 65.46 kg and valued at Rs. 33.40 crores (approx.) which were being smuggled from neighbouring north eastern countries.
Specific intelligence indicated that a syndicate is actively planning to gold smuggling foreign-origin gold from Mizoram and use domestic courier consignment of supply chain & logistic company (hereinafter referred to as logistics company).
In order to interdict the contraband, “Op Gold Rush” was launched by DRI and a particular consignment declared to contain ‘Personal Goods’ destined for Mumbai was intercepted. Examination of the consignment at Bhiwandi (Maharashtra) on 19.09.2022 led to the recovery and seizure of 120 pieces of foreign-origin gold biscuits weighing approximately 19.93 Kg and valued at about Rs. 10.18 crore.
Further analysis and investigation revealed that 2 other such consignments, sent by the same consignor from the same location to the same consignee, destined to Mumbai and in transit, were despatched through the same logistics company. The location of the consignments was traced.
The second consignment was located and intercepted in Bihar. Upon examination at the Warehouse of the logistics company, it led to the recovery of 172 foreign-origin gold bars weighing approximately 28.57 kgs and valued at about Rs.14.50 crore. Similarly, the third consignment was intercepted and examined at the Delhi hub of the logistics company which led to the recovery and seizure of 102 pieces of foreign origin gold bars weighing approximately 16.96 kg and valued at about Rs. 8.69 crores.
These series of detections have helped unearth a novel modus operandi of smuggling foreign-origin gold into India from the northeastern part of the country and through the domestic courier route of a logistics company. Such detections reinforce DRI’s ability to detect and combat unique and sophisticated methods of smuggling. A total of 394 foreign-origin gold bars weighing approximately 65.46 Kg and valued at approximately Rs 33.40 crore were recovered and seized in multi-city operations.
Disclaimer: This is an official press release by PIB.
