New Delhi, March 15: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has exposed an organized gold smuggling network and seized assets valued at ₹14.13 crore, including gold, silver, and Indian currency. This information was released by the Finance Ministry on Sunday.
Officials reported the arrest of six individuals involved in the operation.
According to the DRI, the gang was engaged in smuggling foreign gold into India, transporting it via trains, melting it down in illegal facilities to remove identification marks, and subsequently selling it in the domestic bullion market.
During the operation, DRI officials confiscated approximately 8,286.81 grams of gold worth ₹13.41 crore, 7,350.4 grams of silver valued at ₹19.67 lakh, and ₹51.74 lakh in Indian currency.
The seizure was made under the provisions of the Customs Act of 1962.
The case came to light when DRI officials acted on specific intelligence and intercepted a passenger arriving by train at New Delhi Railway Station from Kolkata.
The passenger was found with gold bearing foreign markings, intended for delivery to another individual outside the station. Authorities promptly apprehended both the carrier and the recipient.
Based on their information, DRI teams conducted a search operation in Delhi, uncovering an illegal gold melting facility.
Investigators discovered that this unit was used to melt foreign gold and remove identification marks to facilitate local market sales.
Additional gold, silver, and cash were recovered from the premises, and the manager operating the facility was also taken into custody.
Following further investigation, officials traveled to Kolkata, where they identified the alleged mastermind of the gang at another illegal gold melting unit.
During the operation, more adulterated gold was seized. The mastermind was arrested along with two carriers, who admitted to receiving smuggled gold with foreign markings, melting it to remove the marks, and then sending it to Delhi by train for distribution.
Officials stated that all six individuals involved in the smuggling, transportation, melting, and sale of gold have been arrested and presented before a competent court.
The agency confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the network and trace the sources of the smuggled gold.
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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