DRI Seizes Gold Worth Rs 6.29 Crore at Bengaluru Airport

In a significant operation, the Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has confiscated over nine kilograms of gold, estimated to be worth Rs 6.29 crore. This substantial seizure unfolded on Tuesday morning, marking a notable achievement for the DRI officials involved. The operation was split into two major recoveries, with the first batch of gold being discovered on a Thai Airways flight arriving from Bangkok at Bangalore International Airport.

The DRI Bengaluru team, acting on precise intelligence, conducted a thorough search of the aircraft. Their efforts led to the discovery of 6.834 kilograms of gold, found in both bar and crude forms, hidden inside abandoned handbags on the plane. The meticulous search not only unearthed the concealed gold but also helped identify the passengers responsible for this act. Documents found within the handbags, coupled with information from the crew, allowed DRI officers to pinpoint and intercept two passengers who had left the bags on the aircraft.

Upon interrogation, these individuals admitted to concealing the gold inside the aircraft. The seized gold from this operation was valued at Rs 4.77 crore by a government-certified assayer. Following their confession, the passengers were arrested, and further investigations are currently underway to unravel more details about this smuggling attempt.

The second recovery happened hours after the first, involving another flight; this time an Emirates aircraft arriving from Dubai at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. DRI officers conducted a search of this flight as well and discovered 2.18 kilograms of gold bars hidden in the front lavatory of the aircraft. This stash was valued at Rs 1.52 crore by a government-certified assayer.

These operations underscore the vigilance and efficiency of the DRI in combating smuggling activities and safeguarding national economic interests. The successful seizures also highlight the sophisticated methods employed by smugglers to transport illegal goods across borders and the continuous efforts by law enforcement agencies to thwart such attempts.

The arrested passengers are currently under investigation as authorities work to dismantle any networks involved in these smuggling operations. The DRI's proactive measures and intelligence-led operations are crucial in maintaining the integrity of India's financial systems and preventing illegal trade practices.