In a significant crackdown on smuggling, officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a massive consignment of gold at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The seizure, valued at a staggering Rs 3.8 crore, was made from a passenger who had just arrived on a flight from Bahrain.
How the Gold Was Concealed
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers stopped the passenger for a detailed check upon arrival. A thorough search of his personal baggage revealed a cleverly hidden cache. The officials discovered 12 capsules filled with gold dust that had been mixed into a wax form. This method of concealment is often used to evade standard scanning and detection equipment at airport security.
The total weight of the recovered precious metal was 3.05 kilograms. Subsequent testing confirmed that the seized gold was of the highest purity, identified as 24-carat. The high purity significantly increases the value of the contraband, leading to the final estimated worth of Rs 3.8 crore.
A Persistent Challenge for Authorities
This seizure highlights the ongoing and sophisticated attempts to smuggle gold into India, a country with immense domestic demand for the precious metal. Mumbai airport, being one of the busiest international gateways, remains a key focus for such illicit activities. The DRI's successful operation underscores the agency's vigilant surveillance and intelligence-gathering mechanisms aimed at curbing the illegal inflow of gold, which causes substantial revenue loss to the national exchequer.
Next Steps and Legal Action
The passenger, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed by the authorities, has been detained for further questioning. The DRI is now investigating the broader network behind this smuggling attempt, including potential handlers and recipients within the country. Officials have registered a case, and legal proceedings under the relevant sections of the Customs Act are being initiated. Such large-scale seizures often lead to deeper probes into organized smuggling syndicates operating across international borders.
This incident serves as a stern warning to those involved in the illegal gold trade. It also reassures the public of the continuous efforts by Indian enforcement agencies to protect the nation's economic interests and maintain the integrity of its borders against financial crimes.
