Mumbai DRI Uncovers Major Gold Smuggling Operation at Airport

Significant Gold Smuggling Bust

Mumbai, May 20: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Mumbai has successfully dismantled a well-organized gold smuggling ring operating at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport through a focused initiative named 'Operation Golden Drop'.

Based on precise intelligence, DRI officials intercepted and confiscated three kilograms of gold of foreign origin, valued at around Rs 4.8 crore, and apprehended one suspect.

Initial investigations have uncovered a complex and carefully orchestrated method of operation. The gold, in dust form, was transformed into wax and hidden within specially crafted egg-shaped capsules. These capsules were reportedly ingested by transit passengers who brought them into Mumbai.

According to the DRI, the gold was subsequently collected by a cleaning staff member from a food outlet located within the airport, who allegedly assisted in secretly removing and delivering the gold outside the airport premises. The individual has been arrested.

Officials noted that this operation has revealed an organized network that sought to exploit transit passenger routes and airport support systems to smuggle gold into India, thereby avoiding customs duties and regulatory oversight.

This seizure is particularly important as the government intensifies its efforts to combat gold smuggling and protect the nation's economic interests, especially in light of rising customs duties on gold aimed at preserving foreign exchange.

The operation also underscores the DRI's robust intelligence capabilities, rapid operational response, and coordinated enforcement actions against international smuggling networks and insiders within airport operations.

Ongoing investigations are being conducted into this case.

Previously, on May 14, the DRI in Mumbai seized diamonds worth over Rs 5.7 crore at the same airport and arrested two individuals for allegedly attempting to smuggle them to Bangkok.

According to DRI reports, the suspects were intercepted at the Mumbai airport based on specific intelligence. Upon examination, both admitted to concealing two capsules each within their bodies.

These capsules were later expelled by the passengers, resulting in the recovery of 1,624 carats of diamonds, which included both natural and lab-grown varieties. The estimated total value of the diamonds seized is approximately Rs 5.70 crore.

Officials indicated that the diamonds were intentionally concealed for illegal export.

The diamonds were confiscated under the relevant sections of the Customs Act, 1962, and both suspects were arrested.

The DRI has stated that further investigations are ongoing to dismantle the syndicate believed to be involved in this smuggling operation, which appears to have connections to international money laundering activities.