DRI Busts Gold Smuggling Racket, Seizes ₹14.13 Crore Assets; Six Arrested
March 15, 2026
ETT News / New Delhi
Officers from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recently dismantled an organized gold smuggling and illicit melting syndicate operating across Delhi and Kolkata. The operation led to the arrest of six individuals and the seizure of assets valued at over ₹14.13 crore.
The DRI launched this crackdown after receiving specific intelligence regarding a smuggling network transporting foreign-origin gold via the rail route. Officials intercepted a passenger arriving from Kolkata at the New Delhi Railway Station while the individual attempted to deliver a consignment of foreign-marked gold. Following this arrest, investigators apprehended the intended recipient waiting outside the station.
The interrogation of the two suspects led authorities to an illegal gold melting facility in Delhi. Here, syndicate members routinely defaced foreign-origin gold to remove identifying marks before circulating the metal into the local bullion market.
Further investigations guided the DRI to the syndicate’s base in Kolkata. Officers raided a second illegal melting unit, where they apprehended the group’s mastermind and two additional carriers. These individuals admitted to receiving smuggled gold, melting it to bypass detection, and planning to transport the contraband to Delhi via train.
In total, the DRI seized 8,286.81 grams of gold worth ₹13.41 crore, along with 7,350.4 grams of silver valued at ₹19.67 lakh and ₹51.74 lakh in cash. All six arrested members currently face charges under the Customs Act, 1962, as authorities continue to investigate the broader scope of the operation.
DRI Gold Smuggling Case Directorate Of Revenue Intelligence Raid Gold Smuggling Racket India Delhi Kolkata Gold Smuggling
Recommended Posts
Latest
The News Feed
Most Visited Stories
