DRI Busts Trans-Border Gold Smuggling Syndicate, Seizes 15 Kg Gold Worth Rs. 21.4 Cr
New Delhi, June 30 (TNT) : In a major crackdown on organised smuggling networks, officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) have dismantled a trans-border gold smuggling syndicate and seized 15 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at approximately ₹21.40 crore, officials said.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted an international courier consignment originating from Thailand at the Courier Terminal in Delhi. The shipment, declared as “worn gear,” was found to be concealing a sophisticated smuggling operation.
A detailed examination led to the recovery of eight disc-shaped gold pieces, each weighing around 1.5 kg, ingeniously hidden inside mechanical gear components. In total, 12 kg of gold was recovered from the courier consignment alone.
Subsequent searches at the residence of the intended recipient and an alleged mastermind led to the recovery of two additional identical gold discs weighing 1.5 kg each, taking the total seizure to 15 kg.
Officials said four individuals, including a repeat offender and a foreign national, have been arrested in connection with the case.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the syndicate was using cryptocurrency-based transactions to move funds across borders, indicating a sophisticated international smuggling and money-laundering network with digital financing channels.
Further investigation is underway to trace the wider network and cross-border linkages involved in the case.
TNT KS
