In a major crackdown on cross-border gold smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized approximately 24 kilograms of foreign-origin gold worth around ₹34 crore in West Bengal and arrested seven alleged smugglers. Preliminary investigations indicate that the group was part of an organised syndicate transporting smuggled gold from locations along the India-Bangladesh border to destinations within the state.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials intercepted seven individuals travelling on separate motorcycles from Krishnanagar towards Chakdaha in Nadia district. During personal searches, officers recovered 180 foreign-marked and defaced gold bars from their possession.
According to investigators, the smugglers had concealed the gold inside specially tailored cloth belts worn around their waists to avoid detection during transit. The seized consignment weighed approximately 24 kilograms and has an estimated market value of around ₹34 crore.
The recovered gold has been seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. All seven accused have been arrested, and further interrogation is underway.
Preliminary findings suggest that the carriers had collected the smuggled gold from locations near the India-Bangladesh border and were transporting it for delivery to another set of carriers as part of a larger distribution network. Investigators are now working to identify the syndicate’s masterminds, financial links, cross-border associates and the ultimate recipients of the smuggled gold.
Officials believe the operation is part of a well-organised international smuggling network involved in illegally bringing foreign-origin gold into India through border routes before distributing it through various channels in the domestic market. Investigators expect that the interrogation of the arrested suspects will provide crucial leads about other members of the syndicate and its smuggling routes.
Law enforcement agencies have intensified intelligence gathering and coordinated enforcement operations in border areas to curb the illegal movement of gold and dismantle organised smuggling networks. Officials said further action will continue as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt cross-border smuggling operations and identify everyone involved in the racket.
