New Delhi: In a major crackdown on trans-border smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted searches in Delhi and Agartala, unearthing a well-organised international gold smuggling syndicate operating from Dubai and Bangladesh. The operation resulted in the seizure of more than 29 kg of foreign-origin gold and cash worth approximately ₹2.90 crore.
According to DRI officials, the action was based on specific intelligence. On 6th January 2026, a key syndicate member was apprehended at a domestic logistics warehouse while taking delivery of two consignments from Agartala, Tripura. Examination of the consignments led to the recovery of 15 kg of gold, bearing international refinery markings, valued at around ₹20.73 crore.
Simultaneous searches at multiple locations in Delhi and Agartala resulted in the recovery of an additional 14.2 kg of foreign-origin gold along with ₹2.90 crore in cash, including Indian and Bangladeshi currency.
In total, DRI seized 29.2 kg of gold valued at approximately ₹40 crore and cash amounting to ₹2.9 crore under the provisions of the Customs Act. Four members of the syndicate have been arrested in connection with the case.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate was smuggling gold into India via the Indo–Bangladesh border in Tripura, transporting it to Delhi through domestic cargo services. The network involved operatives based in Dubai and Bangladesh, along with local handlers operating jewellery shops in Agartala.
DRI officials emphasized that by intercepting illicit gold flows, the agency continues to safeguard India’s economic and fiscal stability and ensure a fair and transparent trading environment.
Further investigation into the syndicate’s operations is ongoing.
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