The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully busted a sophisticated pan-India gold smuggling network responsible for illegally transporting approximately 318 kg of foreign-origin gold, valued at an estimated ₹475 crore, through courier channels over the past nine months. The operation led to the seizure of 6.61 kg of smuggled gold worth ₹10.36 crore and the arrest of 11 individuals, including a suspected mastermind.
Multi-City Crackdown Foils Syndicate
Acting on specific intelligence regarding the illicit movement of foreign-origin gold across the Indo-Bangladesh border into West Bengal and Assam, the DRI launched a meticulously coordinated operation on September 23 and 24. Raids and intercepts were conducted simultaneously across key cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Guwahati.
During the operation, DRI intercepted several live courier consignments originating from Guwahati and Kolkata, destined for delivery in Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. These intercepts proved crucial in unraveling the syndicate's modus operandi.
Arrests and Seizures
Seven recipients of the smuggled gold consignments were apprehended during the initial phase of the operation. Subsequent searches at the premises of consignors and shippers in Kolkata led to the arrest of three additional individuals. A significant breakthrough came with the arrest of one of the suspected masterminds in Mumbai, who was believed to be coordinating the dispatch and delivery of the illicit gold.
The seized gold, totaling 6.61 kg, was recovered in bar form and is valued at approximately ₹10.36 crore. This seizure is part of a larger investigation into the network's extensive operations.
Sophisticated Courier Network Used
Investigations revealed that the smuggling syndicate employed a cunning strategy to evade detection. They systematically split large quantities of smuggled gold into numerous small courier consignments. These smaller parcels were then dispatched from Guwahati and Kolkata to various recipients in Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad.
The Finance Ministry stated that the consignors, shippers, and recipients involved were identified as either 'paper entities' or individuals with no legitimate gold transactions, strongly indicating the deliberate use of the courier network to conceal and distribute the smuggled gold throughout the domestic market. The preliminary examination of documentary evidence corroborated the vast scale of the network, confirming the movement of 318 kg of gold worth ₹475 crore within just nine months of the current calendar year.