The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully cracked down on a major international gold smuggling syndicate operating through Delhi, resulting in the seizure of 15 kg of foreign-origin gold. The confiscated gold is estimated to be worth approximately ₹21.4 crore, and four individuals, including a foreign national and a repeat offender, have been arrested in connection with the case.
Sophisticated Concealment Method Uncovered
The operation commenced after DRI officers intercepted an international courier consignment arriving at the Courier Terminal in Delhi. The package, originating from Thailand, was deceptively declared as "worn gear" to evade customs scrutiny. However, a meticulous examination by the officers revealed a sophisticated concealment method: eight disc-shaped pieces of foreign-origin gold, each weighing 1.5 kg, were ingeniously hidden within mechanical components inside the shipment.
This initial discovery led to the recovery of 12 kg of smuggled gold from the package. Acting on intelligence gathered during the ongoing investigation, DRI teams conducted simultaneous searches at multiple locations linked to the intended recipient and the alleged mastermind of the smuggling operation. These coordinated raids led to the recovery of two additional gold discs, each weighing 1.5 kg, bringing the total seizure to 15 kg.
International Links and Ongoing Investigation
Investigators believe the syndicate employed a highly sophisticated method, camouflaging gold within industrial machine parts and shipping them through courier channels to bypass customs checks. Preliminary findings indicate that the network possesses international links, with Thailand identified as a crucial transit point in their smuggling route.
The four accused individuals have been charged under relevant provisions of the Customs Act. Authorities are continuing their investigations to identify additional members of this extensive network and trace the financial trail associated with the operation. This significant bust is among the largest gold-smuggling seizures reported in Delhi this year, underscoring the increasing use of courier consignments and disguised imports by international trafficking networks. The DRI is also examining potential connections between the arrested individuals and other cross-border gold smuggling operations uncovered in recent months.