The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Mumbai seized more than 10 kg of gold in 2 separate cases on 3rd and 4th June 2023.

In the first case based on specific intelligence, 2 passengers  arrived from Sharjah to Mumbai by Air India Express Flight No. IX 252, and were intercepted. During the examination of the said passengers, 8 gold bars of 24 karat having foreign markings weighing 8 kg were found concealed inside their clothes around their waist. Acting swiftly on further intelligence, one more associate of the passengers was apprehended. The gold in bar form weighing 8 kg recovered during examination valued at ₹4.94 crore was seized. Three persons have been arrested in the first case.

In the second case, one Indian national coming from Dubai was also intercepted at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International  (CSMI) Airport, Mumbai on 3rd June 2023. The examination of the baggage of the said passengers was conducted and during the course of the baggage search 56 ladies clutches (purses) were recovered. All the ladies ‘clutches were found to be having ingenious concealment of 24 karat gold in the form of silver colour metal wires under the metallic strips of the ladies clutches.

The recovered gold wires were found to be having a net weight of 2005 grams and a provisional value of Rs.1,23,80,875/-. The said passenger was arrested in this case. The second seizure apparently involves well educated individuals who are directly involved in the planning and execution of the gold smuggling.

In both cases novel modus operandi was detected, indicating the new challenges faced by the officers of DRI on regular basis to check the syndicates smuggling gold in various forms into the country. The seizure of the foreign marked gold and concealed 24 karat gold in the form of silver colour metal wires at Mumbai International Airport serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against gold smuggling.

A total of 10 kg gold valued at approx 6.2 crore has been seized and total of 4 passengers have been arrested in the said cases. Further investigations are underway.

Seizure of smuggled gold at airport uncovers novel concealment methods and prompts arrests and ongoing investigation. Seizure of over ten kilograms of concealed 24 karat gold at an international airport following intelligence led interceptions. Officers recovered eight 24 karat gold bars concealed on passengers and approximately two kilograms of 24 karat gold fashioned as metal wires hidden within ladies' clutches; the items were seized and four persons arrested. The incidents reveal novel concealment techniques and an evolving modus operandi by smuggling syndicates, prompting continued investigation into syndicate links, planning and execution roles.