DRI Foils Major Gold Smuggling Attempt at Mumbai Airport, Two Arrested

Mumbai, November 7, 2024: In a significant bust, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted and arrested two passengers at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Wednesday for attempting to smuggle gold worth over Rs 7.69 crore. The duo, traveling on a flight from Jaipur, was caught with nearly 9.5 kilograms of foreign-origin gold concealed in their baggage, marking another victory for the agency in its ongoing battle against smuggling networks.

The passengers, who were en route to Mumbai on flight IX 1762, had been tasked with delivering the gold to a key member of an international smuggling syndicate. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials intercepted the individuals as they disembarked from their flight and proceeded to examine their baggage.

Gold Concealed in Packages

Upon inspection, the DRI officials uncovered three neatly packed parcels containing gold. The total weight of the contraband was 9,487 grams, with an estimated value of Rs 7.69 crore in the local market. “The gold was of foreign origin and had been concealed in a sophisticated manner,” said a senior DRI official. “We were able to recover the precious metal after an in-depth search of the passengers' luggage.”

The passengers were immediately detained and questioned. During their interrogation, they admitted to their involvement in the smuggling operation and confirmed that the gold had been brought into the country via an international flight route. Additionally, it was revealed that both individuals were traveling under fake identities, a tactic often used by smugglers to avoid detection.

Investigations Underway

DRI officials are now conducting a detailed investigation to trace the origin of the gold and unravel the larger smuggling network. Authorities are working to identify other individuals connected to the racket and determine how the gold was brought into India, along with the exact route and methods used by the syndicate.

The incident highlights the growing trend of smuggling using international air routes, with smugglers increasingly using fake documents and concealed methods to evade detection at major airports. The DRI has intensified its vigilance and scrutiny, especially at Mumbai’s busy international terminal, which is considered a key entry point for smuggling activities.

A Continuing Battle Against Smuggling

This interception is the latest in a series of successful operations by the DRI at Indian airports. Over the past few months, the agency has made several high-profile arrests related to gold smuggling, underscoring the growing challenge posed by illicit trade networks. Smuggling gold into India, where demand for the precious metal is high, continues to be a lucrative business for organized crime syndicates.

The DRI has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to smuggling. Authorities are also working in close coordination with international agencies to track and dismantle cross-border smuggling operations.

The arrested passengers are expected to be produced in court, and further legal proceedings will follow. The DRI’s investigation is ongoing, and authorities are optimistic that more arrests will be made as they continue to probe the broader smuggling syndicate.