Coordinated DRI Operations in Kolkata and Agartala Expose Smuggling Network

In a major crackdown on organised gold smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 17 kilograms of foreign-origin gold valued at approximately ₹25 crore during coordinated operations in Kolkata and Agartala, leading to the arrest of 10 individuals, the Finance Ministry said on Saturday.

The operations exposed a sophisticated smuggling network allegedly involved in illegally transporting precious metal into the country through multiple routes in eastern India.

Kolkata Operation

According to officials, the first breakthrough came on June 12, when DRI officers in Kolkata intercepted members of a syndicate attempting to smuggle a large quantity of gold into India through Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

Investigators found that the syndicate had allegedly brought the gold from Thailand and was attempting to move it through the airport without detection.

During the operation, officials recovered 11.6 kilograms of foreign-origin gold, with an estimated market value of ₹17 crore.

A total of seven persons, including one woman, were arrested in connection with the Kolkata seizure.

The DRI believes the accused were part of an organised network engaged in the illegal import and distribution of smuggled gold.

Agartala Seizure

The Kolkata operation was followed by another successful action in Agartala, where DRI officials seized the remaining quantity of the precious metal as part of the same coordinated effort.

Combined, the two operations resulted in the recovery of 17 kilograms of gold, with a cumulative value estimated at ₹25 crore.

The total number of arrests in both cases stands at 10 persons.