DRI seizes 2.75 kg gold at Bengaluru airport in smuggling bust

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted the operation at Bengaluru's airport, intercepting a significant consignment of smuggled gold. The seizure resulted in the arrest of two Sri Lankan nationals and an airport staff member suspected of facilitating the illegal transfer. According to preliminary investigations, the gold was slated to be passed on to another party during a passenger transit, a common modus operandi in airport-based smuggling networks.

The DRI's intervention marks another instance of concerted efforts to combat gold smuggling through major Indian airports. Intelligence agencies have intensified surveillance at key transit points following a consistent pattern of smuggling attempts involving foreign nationals and airport personnel working in collusion.

The seized gold and the arrested individuals have been handed over to appropriate authorities for further investigation and legal proceedings. The case highlights vulnerabilities in airport security protocols and the involvement of internal staff in facilitating contraband movement, prompting calls for enhanced vetting procedures and monitoring mechanisms at aviation facilities across the country.