DRI Arrests Five in ₹5.84 Crore Gold Smuggling Case
Officials seize 3.1 kg of foreign-origin gold and foreign currency allegedly linked to a smuggling network operating between Bangladesh, Kolkata and Hyderabad.
- DRI arrests five in alleged gold smuggling network
- Around 3.1 kg of foreign-origin gold seized
- US dollars and euros worth part of ₹5.84 crore haul
- Investigation continues to identify other suspected members
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 21st Oct: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested five people for their alleged involvement in smuggling foreign-origin gold from Bangladesh to Hyderabad through Kolkata. The operation led to the seizure of gold weighing approximately 3.1 kg and foreign currency, with the combined value estimated at ₹5.84 crore.
The operation was carried out by the DRI’s Hyderabad Zonal Unit and Vijayawada Regional Unit following specific intelligence about a suspected gold smuggling network.
Acting on the information, officers intercepted a Scorpio vehicle on the outskirts of Vijayawada. A search revealed foreign currency concealed inside a specially created cavity in the vehicle, according to officials.
The two occupants allegedly told investigators that they had delivered smuggled gold on the outskirts of Vijayawada. They also reportedly said the recovered currency was part of the proceeds from the sale of the gold.
Following their questioning, officers traced three more suspected carriers travelling towards Hyderabad in a public bus. The bus was intercepted at a toll plaza, where the three men were searched.
Officers recovered three foreign-origin gold bars weighing 3,147.1 grams from the suspects. The bars had allegedly been concealed inside a pouch tied around their waists to avoid detection.
The seizure also included US dollars worth 60,000 and 21,500 euros, which investigators suspect were linked to the sale of the smuggled gold. The total value of the seized gold and foreign currency was estimated at ₹5.84 crore.
All five accused were arrested and produced before the jurisdictional magistrate. They were subsequently remanded to judicial custody.
The DRI is continuing its investigation to identify other people who may be involved in the suspected international smuggling network and establish the full extent of its operations.
