DRI seized 48 kg Gold Paste worth Rs.25.26 crore under Operation Goldmine

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seizes 48.20 Kgs of Gold Paste worth Rs.25.26 crore at Surat International Airport, as a part of Operation Goldmine. This is one of the biggest gold seizures at airport in recent times.

DRI authorities detained three individuals arriving from Sharjah on Air India Express Flight No. IX172 at Surat International Airport on July 7, 2023, accused of bringing gold in paste form to be smuggled into India based on particular intelligence. An examination of their hand luggage and check-in baggage revealed 43.5 kg of gold paste contained in 20 white colour sachets disguised in 5 black belts.

Interrogation of passengers showed that the gold was hidden in order to be smuggled into India with the assistance of authorities stationed at Surat International Airport. To avoid screening and investigation by officials, the gold exchange was supposed to take place in a toilets located before immigration. Subsequent operations culminated in the seizure of 4.67 kg of gold paste, which was discovered abandoned in the men’s toilet adjacent to the immigration checkpoint and turned over to DRI by the CISF. A total of 48.20 kg of gold paste collected from passengers was extracted, recovered more than 42 kilogramme of gold (purity 99%) worth about Rs. 25.26 crore.

Statement of persons were recorded under Customs Act, 1962, and based on their role, 3 passengers along with one official have been arrested. From the investigation so far, it appears that an organised smuggling racket has been operating at the Surat International Airport. Further investigation to find out involvement of other persons including officials at the airport, is being carried out, to dismantle the whole syndicate.

The action by DRI has busted the operation of the smuggling syndicate. These seizures are part of a sustained effort by DRI to combat the illicit smuggling of high-value goods into the country.