DRI conducted searches at Delhi and Agartala and unearthed a well-organised international gold smuggling syndicate operating from Dubai and Bangladesh

In a major crackdown on trans-border smuggling, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted searches at Delhi and Agartala and busted a well-organised international gold smuggling syndicate, operating from Dubai and Bangladesh. The action led to the seizure of more than 29 kg foreign-origin gold and cash worth approximately ₹2.90 crore.

Based on specific intelligence, on 6^th January 2026, a key syndicate member was apprehended from a domestic logistics warehouse, while taking delivery of two consignments originating from Agartala, Tripura. Examination of the consignments 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 recovery of an additional 14.2 kg foreign origin gold and ₹2.90 crore in cash, including Indian and Bangladeshi currency.

 Thus, a total of 29.2 kg gold, valued at approx. ₹40 crore, and cash amount of ₹2.9 crore have been seized under the provisions of Customs Act. Further, four members of the syndicate have been arrested.

Investigation has revealed that the syndicate was smuggling gold into India through the Indo–Bangladesh border with Tripura, and subsequently transporting it to Delhi through domestic cargo services with the active connivance of handlers based in Dubai, Bangladesh and local operatives running jewellery shops in Agartala.

By intercepting illicit gold flows, DRI continues to safeguard India’s economic and fiscal stability, and ensure a fair and transparent trading environment.

Further investigation is in progress.

Gold smuggling syndicate busted; 29.2 kg seized, cash recovered and four arrests under customs enforcement. DRI conducted coordinated searches and seizures under the Customs Act, recovering 29.2 kg foreign origin gold and approx. Rs.2.9 crore cash from consignments routed via Tripura to Delhi, and arresting four syndicate members alleged to have operated with handlers in Dubai, Bangladesh and local jewellery operators.