DRI Seizes 17 Kg Smuggled Gold Worth Rs 25 Crore in Kolkata, Agartala; 10 Arrested
New Delhi, June 13 (TNT): In a major crackdown on organised gold smuggling networks, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized nearly 17 kg of foreign-origin gold worth about ₹25 crore in coordinated operations conducted in Kolkata and Agartala, arresting 10 persons in connection with the cases.
According to officials, DRI officers on Friday busted a gold smuggling syndicate at Kolkata and seized 11.6 kg of foreign-origin gold that was being smuggled from Thailand through the Kolkata airport.
Seven persons, including a woman, were arrested in the operation.
The seized gold is estimated to be worth approximately ₹17 crore.
In a separate operation on the same day, DRI officials seized around 5.1 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at about ₹8 crore in Agartala.
The gold had allegedly been smuggled into India through the Tripura sector of the Indo-Bangladesh border.
Three persons were arrested in connection with the Agartala case.
The operation in Agartala was carried out in coordination with the Railway Protection Force (RPF).
Officials said investigations are underway to identify the larger smuggling network and trace the source, handlers and intended recipients of the seized contraband.
The seizures are part of ongoing efforts by enforcement agencies to curb cross-border gold smuggling and dismantle organised syndicates involved in the illegal trade.
TNT KS
