The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 9.67 kg of gold, originally from Africa and smuggled through Mumbai International Airport, at a melting facility where it was being processed to remove foreign markings. During the operation on April 22, the DRI Mumbai Zonal Unit (MZU) also confiscated 16.66 kg of silver.
Additionally, they apprehended the operator of the melting facility and a key member of the syndicate responsible for recruiting carriers and overseeing the smuggling process. The recruiter, who collects gold from African carriers for processing and sale, was found to have received USD 190,000 as an advance payment from a buyer.
Despite the buyer fleeing before the search, the DRI recovered foreign-origin gold bars and silver, along with Rs 1.92 crores in cash, from the buyer’s office. Further investigations led to the interception of two African Nationals staying in nearby hotels, who admitted to smuggling gold and handing it over to the recruiter.
All four individuals involved were arrested under the Customs Act, 1962, and seized items included 18.48 kg of silver and Indian currency worth Rs 1.92 crore, totaling Rs 10.48 crore. This operation underscores the DRI’s dedication to combatting smuggling activities with professionalism.