In a significant operation against gold smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), successfully intercepted a passenger carrying foreign-origin gold bars valued at Rs. 12.56 crore at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. DRI busts major gold smuggling racket with seizure of 14.2 kg foreign-origin gold worth Rs. 12.56 crore and other assets worth Rs. 4.73 crore
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted an Indian lady passenger aged around 33 years who had arrived from Dubai to Bengaluru via Emirates flight on March 3, 2025. Upon examination, gold bars weighing 14.2 kg were found ingeniously concealed on the person. The contraband, valued at Rs. 12.56 Crore was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Following the interception, DRI officers searched her residential premises located at Lavelle Road, Bengaluru, where she resides with her husband. The search resulted in the seizure of gold jewelry worth Rs. 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs. 2.67 crore. The lady passenger has been placed under arrest under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 and remanded to judicial custody.
The total seizure in the case stands at Rs. 17.29 crore, marking a significant blow to organized gold smuggling networks. The haul of 14.2 kg is one of the biggest seizures of gold at the Bengaluru International Airport in recent times. Only a few days back, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) Chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal had said that smuggling has reduced significantly since July 2024 when the government slashed import duty on the precious metal to 6%.
India Amongst one of the Largest Gold Markets
India, China, United States of America (USA), UAE, Russia have the largest gold and silver markets. India has become a key international center for illicit gold imports, inviting gold and silver predominantly from Gulf states of UAE and Saudi Arabia where it is largely extracted and can be brought in at cheaper prices.
During the gold control period between 1960 and 1990, which prohibited Indians from holding gold bars and coins, gold was mainly smuggled into India from West Asia and the Middle East via the sea route and landed in Maharashtra, Gujarat and parts of southern India.
Gold dust concealed in pen refills, sanitary pads and diapers, melted and moulded into suitcase wheels, valves and electronic parts, and gold capsules hidden in the rectums of human carriers — the myriad ways this precious metal is smuggled in the country range from outrageously innovative to downright bizarre.
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) data shows that gold smuggling is on the rise in India. Sources in customs and DRI say that while agencies manage to intercept some of the smuggled gold, several cases go unnoticed. An intricate network of carriers and receivers and well-oiled machinery involving airline and airport authority personnel keep the racket running.
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Commencing teaching in his early twenties, Prof Aggarwal has diverse experience of great tenure in the top institutions not only as an educationist, administrator, editor, author but also promoting youth and its achievements through the nicest possible content framing. A revolutionary to the core, he is also keen to address the society around him for its betterment and growth on positive notes while imbibing the true team spirit the work force along with.
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