DRI Busts Smuggling Racket, Seizes Gold Worth Rs 16.71 Crore in Mumbai

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested three individuals involved in smuggling 22.89 kg of gold in Mumbai, valued at Rs 16.71 crore. Additionally, officials seized Rs 40 lakh believed to be proceeds from the sale of smuggled gold. The detainees have been remanded to judicial custody.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has apprehended three individuals linked to a smuggling ring in Mumbai, capturing 22.89 kg of gold worth Rs 16.71 crore, officials reported on Thursday.

Apart from the gold, Rs 40 lakh, deemed to be proceeds from smuggled gold sales, was also confiscated, they stated.

Acting on precise intelligence, the DRI's Mumbai Zonal Unit intercepted the trio as they were transporting the contraband. A search of their belongings unveiled melted bars, egg-shaped capsules, strips, and chains of gold, valued at over Rs 16 crore, according to a central agency release.

Subsequently, a house search led to the recovery of Rs 40 lakh in sale proceeds of the smuggled gold, all confiscated under the Customs Act provisions, the DRI added.

The arrested individuals were presented in court, which ordered their judicial custody.

(With inputs from agencies.)