Mumbai Crime: DRI busts interstate gold smuggling ring

The DRI in Mumbai and Varanasi worked together to intercept the smugglers and seize the gold

In a recent crackdown, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has intercepted a widespread gold smuggling syndicate across multiple locations in India. Following the seizure of 31.7 kg of gold in October, the agency continued its pursuit and dismantled another branch of the same network. The DRI focussed on land and rail routes this time and seized 13.7 kg gold.

The DRI Mumbai team intercepted two individuals transporting contraband gold by bus near Pune. The late-night operation on October 30 led to the recovery of 5 kg of smuggled gold. Further investigations unveiled a crucial link to a handler situated in a village within the Sangli district. "Swift action by the DRI on Tuesday at the handler's residence uncovered vital information about two more carriers operating between Varanasi and Nagpur," an officer said.

Following the leads, the DRI Varanasi team intercepted the two carriers and confiscated an additional 8.7 kg of smuggled gold. DRI Mumbai, Goa Regional Unit, and Varanasi teams work together to bust the syndicate. A total of 13.7 kg of smuggled gold, with an estimated value of Rs 8.5 crore, has been recovered.

Five individuals were apprehended during the operation, of these, three were arrested in Mumbai and two in Varanasi. "The operation is a manifestation of DRI's ability to undertake a coordinated approach to counter smuggling by various syndicates," the DRI said in a statement.