New Delhi, 15 March (H.S.): lThe Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled an organized foreign gold smuggling syndicate operating between Delhi and Kolkata, arresting six individuals and seizing assets worth over ₹14.13 crore, including gold, silver, and Indian currency.
The operation uncovered a sophisticated network smuggling foreign-origin gold via passenger trains from Kolkata to Delhi, where it was melted in illicit units to erase identifying marks before clandestine sale in local bullion markets.
Authorities confiscated 8,286.81 grams of gold valued at ₹13.41 crore, 7,350.4 grams of silver worth ₹19.67 lakh, and ₹51.74 lakh in cash, all under provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Acting on intelligence, DRI officers intercepted a Kolkata-arriving passenger at New Delhi Railway Station carrying marked foreign gold intended for handoff outside; both carrier and receiver were nabbed on the spot. Follow-up raids exposed an illegal melting unit in Delhi, yielding additional contraband and leading to the manager's arrest.
The probe extended to Kolkata, unmasking the mastermind at another covert facility alongside two carriers, who confessed to melting and rail-shipping the gold for market disposal.
All six suspects—linked to smuggling, transport, melting, and sales—have been produced before a competent court, with investigations ongoing to unravel the syndicate's full extent.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
