Mumbai, June 7: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully dismantled a significant international gold smuggling ring at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai as part of ‘Operation Golden Nexus.’
During the operation, approximately 3.2 kilograms of foreign-origin 24-carat gold in wax form was seized, valued at around ₹5 crore. Seven individuals have been arrested, including three airport employees.
According to the DRI, intelligence reports indicated that certain airport staff were collaborating with Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan transit passengers arriving from Bangkok to smuggle gold out of the airport premises to a local network.
Acting on this information, the DRI set up a trap and apprehended three airport employees while they were attempting to transport the gold outside the airport. The arrested employees included two bus/coaches drivers and a coach monitor.
Following this, the DRI quickly identified and arrested three transit passengers linked to the smuggling operation. Among them were one Bangladeshi national and two Sri Lankan nationals, who were preparing to leave India on a connecting flight. Investigations revealed that these passengers had concealed the gold within their bodies to smuggle it into India.
The DRI seized a total of 3.2 kilograms of 24-carat gold dust (in wax form), estimated to be worth approximately ₹5 crore. This gold was confiscated under the Customs Act of 1962.
This operation has unveiled the entire smuggling network, leading to the arrest of three transit passengers, three airport employees, and one local receiver, totaling seven arrests.
The DRI stated that this success comes at a time when the government has increased customs duties and taxes on gold to strengthen foreign currency protection and economic security. This operation is seen as a significant example of the DRI’s robust intelligence capabilities, rapid operational response, and effective action against organized smuggling rings.
Leave a Comment