Major DRI Operation Leads to Arrest of Six Smugglers with ₹11.5 Crore in Gold

New Delhi, October 11 (Daily Kiran) : The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) announced on October 11 that it conducted a series of operations in Eastern India, resulting in the seizure of approximately 7.8 kilograms of foreign gold worth over ₹11.5 crore. The operations also led to the arrest of six individuals, including the alleged leader of a smuggling syndicate connected to trafficking routes along the Bangladesh border.

The investigation revealed that the smuggled gold was being transported from border areas to major markets, particularly Kolkata, utilizing both road and rail networks. During one operation, DRI officials intercepted a four-wheeled vehicle at the Dankuni toll plaza in West Bengal. The vehicle was carrying four individuals traveling from the town of Banpur, near the Bangladesh border, to Kolkata.

Upon searching the vehicle, officials discovered 50 gold bars weighing approximately 6.8 kilograms, valued at around ₹10 crore. Some of these bars bore foreign markings. The occupants of the vehicle were unable to provide any legal documentation proving their ownership of the precious metal.

During questioning, the suspects reportedly admitted to their involvement in smuggling foreign gold into India via Bangladesh. The DRI identified one of the arrested individuals as the alleged leader of an active smuggling syndicate in the Banpur border area.

In separate operations conducted on the same day, DRI teams also detained train passengers at the Malda Town and New Jalpaiguri railway stations in West Bengal. Approximately 1 kilogram of foreign gold was seized during these searches, valued at around ₹1.5 crore. The seized gold was in the form of bangles and bars, and it was allegedly being smuggled into India from Bangladesh through Tripura. Two passengers were arrested for failing to present valid documents for the legal purchase of the gold.

Officials emphasized that these recent seizures highlight the ongoing use of major road and rail corridors that connect northeastern regions with eastern markets for smuggling operations.