DRI Uncovers Major Gold Smuggling Syndicate at Mumbai Airport, Seizes 12.5 kg of Gold

In a significant crackdown on gold smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai, has uncovered a syndicate involving airport staff at the international airport's food court. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials revealed that the smuggling operation was orchestrated by airport personnel who were allegedly involved in retrieving gold from international transit passengers and delivering it outside the airport.

Surveillance was heightened at the airport, leading to the interception of two consignments of smuggled gold during their delivery. The operation resulted in the arrest of three airport staff members and three receivers. Upon examination, authorities discovered 24 oval-shaped balls of gold dust in wax form concealed in eight pouches. A total of 12.5 kilograms of gold, valued at Rs 9.95 crore, was recovered and seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

The six arrested individuals, including the airport staff, are currently in custody. DRI officials stated that this successful operation has dismantled a major gold smuggling network. This seizure is part of a larger ongoing crackdown, with DRI Mumbai having seized approximately 36 kilograms of smuggled gold over the past two days, significantly disrupting smuggling operations in the region.