The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has intensified its crackdown on organised gold smuggling syndicates, seizing over 27 kg of foreign‑origin gold and arresting 12 persons in a series of intelligence‑led operations across the country.
The raids exposed sophisticated concealment methods, including hiding gold inside aircraft lavatories, specially fabricated cavities in vehicles and utensils, and even body concealment.
- Mumbai Airport: 12 kg gold bars recovered from aircraft lavatory ceiling panels; 3 passengers arrested.
- Uttar Pradesh: 5 kg gold bars seized from a female passenger on Brahmaputra Mail; concealed in waist belt and handbag.
- Mumbai Airport (second case): 3.7 kg gold dust in wax form seized; 5 persons arrested, including cleaning staff and handlers.
- Kolkata Railway Station: 4.6 kg gold concealed in utensils; passenger arrested.
- Cochin & Guwahati: 2 kg gold seized in separate cases; concealment inside body and car cavity; 2 arrested.
Officials said the operations highlight the evolving tactics of smuggling syndicates and reaffirm DRI’s commitment to dismantling such networks.
