DRI Busts Gold Smuggling Ring; Seizes 6.28 kg Worth Rs 9.18 Crore

In a significant operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 6.28 kilograms of gold from passengers arriving with baggage from Dubai, leading to the arrest of three individuals. The contraband, valued at Rs 9.18 crore, was discovered during routine screening procedures at a major Indian airport.

Investigators found the gold cleverly hidden within an array of everyday hardware items designed to evade detection. The concealment method involved stuffing the precious metal inside floor springs, metal locks, grease guns, and door closers—common items unlikely to attract scrutiny during baggage examination.

The DRI has registered a case under relevant sections of the Customs Act in connection with the seizure. The three arrested individuals are currently in custody as authorities conduct further investigation into the smuggling network. Officials are examining whether this operation was part of a larger smuggling racket.

The seizure underscores the persistent challenge of gold smuggling through Indian airports, particularly via Gulf routes. Smugglers frequently employ innovative concealment techniques to transport gold past customs checkpoints, taking advantage of high domestic gold prices and duty structures that create significant profit margins for illegal operations.