GUWAHATI, Jan 8: In a major crackdown on trans-border smuggling networks, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a well-organised international gold smuggling syndicate with links spanning Dubai, Bangladesh and India, officials said on Wednesday.
The operation led to the seizure of more than 29 kg of foreign-origin gold, valued at nearly ₹40 crore, along with ₹2.9 crore in cash. Four members of the syndicate have been arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers on January 6 intercepted a key member of the syndicate at a domestic logistics warehouse in Delhi while he was taking delivery of two consignments routed from Agartala, Tripura. A detailed examination of the packages led to the recovery of 15 kg of foreign-origin gold bearing international refinery markings, valued at approximately ₹20.73 crore.
Simultaneous searches conducted at multiple locations in Delhi and Agartala resulted in the seizure of an additional 14.2 kg of smuggled gold and ₹2.90 crore in cash, comprising both Indian and Bangladeshi currency.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate was smuggling gold into India through the Indo–Bangladesh border via Tripura before transporting it to Delhi using domestic cargo services. The operation allegedly involved handlers based in Dubai and Bangladesh, along with local operatives operating jewellery shops in Agartala.
Further investigations are underway to trace the financial trail and identify other members involved in the international smuggling network.
