The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered an organised syndicate involved in smuggling foreign-origin gold into India, transporting it through rail routes, melting it at illegal facilities and selling it in the domestic market.
The operation led to the seizure of gold, silver and Indian currency collectively valued at more than ₹14.13 crore and the arrest of six persons.
Officials seized 8,286.81 grams of gold valued at ₹13.41 crore, 7,350.4 grams of silver valued at ₹19.67 lakh and Indian currency amounting to ₹51,74,100 under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted a passenger who had arrived from Kolkata by train at New Delhi Railway Station. The passenger was found carrying foreign-marked gold intended for delivery to a receiver outside the station. Both the carrier and the intended recipient were apprehended.
Based on disclosures made during questioning, follow-up searches were conducted in Delhi. Investigators detected an illegal gold melting facility used to deface foreign-origin gold before its disposal in the local bullion market. Additional gold, silver and Indian currency were recovered from the premises and the facility manager was apprehended.
Further investigation led officers to Kolkata, where the alleged mastermind of the syndicate was traced to another illegal melting unit. He was apprehended along with two carriers who admitted to receiving smuggled foreign-marked gold, melting it to remove identifying marks and transporting it to Delhi by rail for further distribution.
All six persons involved in the smuggling, transportation, melting and disposal of the gold have been arrested and produced before a competent court. Further investigation is underway.
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