Mumbai, April 10: In a major crackdown on organised gold smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a syndicate, seizing 29.37 kg of gold valued at Rs 37.74 crore and arresting 24 carriers.
Carriers intercepted at Mumbai airport
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers identified a group of female carriers (Kenyan nationals) arriving from Nairobi attempting to smuggle large quantities of gold through Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport, Mumbai, on Thursday.
A special operation was launched, and 24 foreign nationals were intercepted. Swift and coordinated enforcement action led to the recovery of 25.10 kg gold bars and 4.27 kg gold jewellery from these passengers. The agency is now probing who was supposed to receive the said gold in the city.
Organised syndicate under probe
"The case reveals a highly organised syndicate using trained carriers and coordinated methods to evade detection. DRI remains committed to dismantling such gold smuggling networks that undermine the country’s economic and fiscal systems and threaten national interests," said a DRI official.
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Previous crackdown linked to smuggling network
In February this year, DRI Mumbai had busted a clandestine gold melting facility allegedly engaged in processing of smuggled gold and had seized approximately 5.8 kg of gold valued at Rs 9.22 crore in the Zaveri Bazar area.
Two alleged key members of the smuggling syndicate were arrested in that case. Further enquiry had revealed that the seized gold had been smuggled into India through CSMI Airport, Mumbai, by passengers recruited by the syndicate.
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