DRI Seizes 7.8 Kg of Smuggled Gold Worth Rs 11.5 Crore in Eastern India, Arrests Six

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized approximately 7.8 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at over Rs 11.5 crore in a series of intelligence-led operations across eastern India, arresting six people, including an alleged kingpin of a smuggling syndicate.

According to the DRI, the operations exposed suspected smuggling routes linking the Bangladesh border with major markets, particularly Kolkata, using both road and railway networks to transport gold.

In one operation, DRI officers intercepted a four-wheeler at Dankuni Toll Plaza in West Bengal. The vehicle, carrying four occupants, was travelling towards Kolkata from Banpur, a town near the Bangladesh border.

A search of the vehicle and its occupants led to the recovery of 50 gold bars weighing approximately 6.8 kg and valued at nearly Rs 10 crore. Some of the bars bore foreign markings, while the occupants reportedly failed to produce documents establishing lawful possession of the precious metal.

During questioning, the accused allegedly admitted to smuggling foreign-origin gold into India through Bangladesh. The DRI said one of those arrested was the alleged kingpin of a smuggling syndicate operating in the Banpur border region.

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

The gold, found in the form of bangles and bars, was allegedly being transported after being smuggled across the India-Bangladesh border through Tripura. The two passengers were arrested after failing to produce valid documents establishing the legal procurement of the gold.

Officials said the latest seizures highlighted the continued use of border areas along Bangladesh, as well as key road and railway corridors connecting the Northeast with eastern Indian markets, to transport smuggled gold.