The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has disrupted a major cross-border syndicate, seizing approximately 7.8 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at over Rs 11.50 crore in intelligence-led operations across West Bengal.
The two-day crackdown on Oct 8–9 targeted illicit road and rail corridors connecting border zones in Bangladesh and Tripura to commercial hubs in Kolkata, resulting in the arrest of six individuals.
In the operation, DRI officials intercepted a vehicle at Dankuni Toll Plaza travelling toward Kolkata from Banpur, a town situated near the Indo-Bangladesh border.
A thorough search revealed 50 gold bars weighing 6.8 kg and valued at nearly Rs 10 crore, with several bars bearing foreign markings. Four occupants were arrested after failing to provide valid documentation, including the primary kingpin overseeing the syndicate’s operations along the Banpur border.
In coordinated follow-up actions on the same day, DRI teams intercepted train passengers at Malda Town and New Jalpaiguri railway stations.
Officers recovered an additional 1 kg of foreign-origin gold bars and bangles worth Rs 1.5 crore. Investigations indicated that the seized gold had been smuggled into India through the border in Tripura before being routed onto passenger trains.
