Mumbai, October 19, 2025: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has apprehended two airport cleaning staff at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in connection with an alleged foreign gold smuggling operation. Authorities recovered 1.2 kg of 24-carat gold dust, valued at approximately ₹1.6 crore, from the accused.
How the Smuggling Operation Worked
Investigations revealed that the smuggling was part of a well-organized syndicate. The group allegedly used international passengers to conceal gold within arriving flights, which was later retrieved from the aircraft by airport staff with insider access.
Following intelligence reports about foreign gold being smuggled through Mumbai Airport, the DRI launched a covert surveillance operation to track the suspects.
FCRF Launches CCLP Program to Train India’s Next Generation of Cyber Law Practitioners
Details of the Arrest
According to officials, a team leader among the cleaning staff was observed hurriedly placing a packet on the aerobridge staircase after noticing DRI operatives. The packet was recovered and found to contain gold dust in wax form, concealed under a white cloth.
During interrogation, the employee admitted to hiding the packet to avoid detection and revealed that his supervisor had retrieved the gold from the aircraft and handed it to him. Based on this information, the supervisor was also taken into custody.
Seizure and Legal Action
In total, 1.2 kg of 24-carat gold dust, valued at around ₹1.6 crore, was seized under the Customs Act.
The arrests mark a significant breakthrough in curbing organized gold smuggling activities at Mumbai Airport and underscore the authorities’ commitment to stringent enforcement and preventive measures.
