The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has achieved a significant breakthrough by intercepting and seizing 48.20 kg of gold paste at Surat International Airport. This operation marks one of the largest gold seizures at an airport in recent times, highlighting the escalating challenge of smuggling valuable goods into the country.
Uncovering an Organized Smuggling Racket: Arrests Made, Investigation Ongoing
As part of Operation Goldmine, DRI officers acted on precise intelligence and apprehended three passengers who arrived at Surat International Airport on July 7, 2023, from Sharjah on Air India Express Flight No. IX172. These individuals were suspected of carrying gold in paste form, intending to smuggle it into India. A meticulous examination of their hand baggage and check-in luggage revealed the concealed presence of 43.5 kg of gold paste, cleverly stashed in 20 white packets concealed within five black belts.
Further interrogation of the passengers exposed a shocking revelation—the gold was intended to be smuggled into India with the assistance of corrupt officials stationed at Surat International Airport. The illicit exchange of gold was meticulously planned to occur in a pre-immigration restroom, strategically avoiding detection and scrutiny by authorities.
As the investigation progressed, an additional 4.67 kg of gold paste was discovered abandoned in the men’s washroom adjacent to the immigration checkpoint. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) promptly handed over this abandoned gold to the DRI. In total, 48.20 kg of gold paste was recovered from the passengers. Subsequent extraction procedures unveiled more than 42 kg of pure gold (with a purity of 99%), estimated to be worth around Rs. 25.26 crore.
Following the evidence collected, statements from the individuals involved were recorded under the Customs Act, of 1962. As a result, three passengers, along with one airport official, have been arrested. The investigation has shed light on the existence of a well-organized smuggling syndicate operating within Surat International Airport.
The DRI’s actions in Operation Goldmine have dealt a significant blow to the smuggling syndicate, disrupting their illicit activities and undermining their operations. However, the investigation is far from over. The DRI remains committed to dismantling the entire network and is actively pursuing leads to uncover the involvement of other individuals, including airport officials, who may be complicit in the smuggling operations.
These successful seizures and the ongoing efforts of the DRI demonstrate their unwavering commitment to combatting the illicit smuggling of high-value goods into the country. Operation Goldmine stands as a testament to the relentless dedication of law enforcement agencies in safeguarding the nation’s interests and curbing organized criminal activities that threaten the integrity of India’s borders.
