DRI Cracks Down on Gold Smuggling Network in Mumbai, Arrests Two Couriers
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully dismantled a significant gold smuggling operation in Mumbai, leading to the arrest of two alleged couriers and the seizure of 5 kilograms of gold valued at approximately Rs 10 crore. The bust occurred on Sunday in the bustling Kalbadevi area, a known hub for precious metal trading.
Operation Based on Specific Intelligence Leads to Arrests
Acting on a precise tip-off, the DRI's Mumbai unit meticulously set up a trap on Dhanji Street in Kalbadevi. The operation culminated in the apprehension of Swapnil Jadhav and Shreyas Salunkhe, who were found in possession of 13 pieces of melted gold bars. These bars were cleverly concealed within ordinary newspaper wrappings, a common tactic used by smugglers to avoid detection.
Upon examination, experts confirmed the authenticity of the metal as pure gold. Crucially, Jadhav and Salunkhe were unable to provide any legal documentation or valid permits for the substantial quantity of gold in their custody, raising immediate red flags about its illicit origins.
Search Operations Uncover Sophisticated Smuggling Infrastructure
Following the initial arrests, DRI officials conducted thorough searches of a connected office premises. This raid revealed a range of specialized equipment, including tools used for melting, cutting, and polishing gold. The discovery of this machinery strongly indicates that the location served as a processing unit for the smuggled precious metal, part of a larger, organized racket.
In addition to the gold and equipment, authorities recovered a significant amount of Indian currency notes. Investigators suspect these funds were utilized as tokens within a complex hawala network. Hawala, an informal funds transfer system, is often exploited in smuggling operations to facilitate the delivery and receipt of both contraband like gold and corresponding cash payments, bypassing formal banking channels and regulatory oversight.
Legal Proceedings and Defense Claims
Swapnil Jadhav and Shreyas Salunkhe were subsequently presented before a court. Their legal representative, advocate Ravi Hirani, presented a defense claiming the individuals had been falsely implicated. Hirani argued before the court that the seized gold did not belong to his clients and that they were being framed in the case. The judicial process will now determine the validity of these claims against the evidence gathered by the DRI.
This major interception by the DRI underscores the ongoing challenges and sophisticated methods employed by gold smuggling syndicates operating in India. The use of hawala channels highlights the intersection of financial crime with commodity smuggling, posing a significant threat to the nation's economic security and revenue collection. The case remains under active investigation as authorities work to uncover the broader network and masterminds behind this lucrative illegal operation.
