Mumbai, May 14: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Mumbai has seized diamonds valued at over ₹5.7 crore at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Two individuals were arrested for attempting to smuggle these precious stones.
According to the DRI, the suspects were intercepted based on specific intelligence. During the investigation, both travelers admitted to concealing two capsules within their bodies.
The capsules were later retrieved, revealing a total of 1,624 carats of diamonds, including both natural and lab-created stones. The total estimated value of the seized diamonds is approximately ₹5.70 crore. Authorities indicated that these diamonds were deliberately hidden with the intent to illegally export them.
The diamonds were confiscated under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act of 1962, and both suspects were taken into custody.
The DRI announced that further investigations are underway to dismantle the syndicate allegedly involved in this smuggling operation, which appears to be linked to international money laundering activities. Previously, on April 20, the DRI in Mumbai arrested an importer for attempting to smuggle ‘watermelon seeds’ and ‘green peas’ worth ₹139 crore from Tanzania, Sudan, and Canada.
In a statement, the DRI reported that the illegal shipment was seized at the Nhava Sheva port, and the owner of the importing firm, identified as the mastermind behind this organized smuggling, was arrested on Sunday.
Acting on specific intelligence, officials intercepted 132 containers containing approximately 3,029 metric tons of goods falsely declared as ‘tuvar dal/arhar dal.’ The seized shipment is valued at around ₹139 crore.
A detailed investigation revealed discrepancies in the declaration of goods. Instead of ‘tuvar dal/arhar dal,’ the authorities recovered 2,710 metric tons of watermelon seeds from Tanzania and Sudan, along with 319 metric tons of green peas from Canada. The government had imposed strict restrictions on the import of these items to protect domestic farmers from low-priced imports.
The DRI reiterated its commitment to intensifying operations based on intelligence against the smuggling of prohibited items. Additionally, the agency emphasized its dedication to safeguarding the country’s economic interests, ensuring equal opportunities for domestic producers, and enforcing compliance with import regulations.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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