New Delhi, 11 October (H.S.):

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has launched a major crackdown on a gold-smuggling network operating along routes linked to Bangladesh in eastern India. In a series of intelligence-led operations, the agency seized more than 7.8 kg of foreign-origin gold worth over Rs 11.50 crore in the domestic market and arrested six people in connection with the alleged smuggling racket.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance on Sunday, the DRI conducted multiple operations across eastern India based on specific intelligence inputs, leading to the seizure of approximately 7.8 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at more than Rs 11.5 crore. The operations exposed suspected smuggling routes linked to the Bangladesh border, while six individuals, including the alleged kingpin of a smuggling syndicate, were arrested.

In one of the operations, DRI officials intercepted a four-wheeler at the Dankuni Toll Plaza in West Bengal. The vehicle was carrying four occupants who were travelling from Bangaon, a town near the Bangladesh border, to Kolkata.

During a search of the vehicle and its occupants, officials recovered 50 gold bars weighing approximately 6.8 kg and valued at around Rs 10 crore. Some of the bars bore foreign markings.

According to DRI officials, the occupants were unable to produce documents establishing the lawful possession of the precious metal. During questioning, the accused allegedly admitted to their involvement in smuggling foreign-origin gold into India through Bangladesh.

The DRI stated that one of the arrested individuals was the alleged kingpin of a smuggling syndicate operating in the Bangaon border region.

In separate operations conducted on the same day, DRI teams intercepted train passengers at Malda Town railway station and New Jalpaiguri railway station in West Bengal. Searches led to the seizure of approximately 1 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at around Rs 1.5 crore.

The Ministry of Finance stated that the DRI’s investigation revealed that the seized gold, found in the form of bangles and gold bars, had been manufactured from gold allegedly smuggled into India across the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura.

The operations indicate that road and rail networks connecting border areas adjoining Bangladesh, as well as the northeastern region with major commercial centres such as Kolkata, continue to be used for the movement of smuggled gold.

The DRI reiterated its commitment to dismantling organised smuggling networks through intelligence-led enforcement measures and coordinated operations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar