The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has carried out a major operation against an international smuggling network during a week-long nationwide campaign. The agency seized smuggled gold worth around ₹14 crore during the operation. A significant quantity of narcotics and red sandalwood was also recovered. A total of 20 accused, including five foreign nationals, have been arrested in connection with the crackdown.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance on Saturday, the DRI conducted coordinated operations across multiple states against organised smuggling groups. During raids and investigation activities at various locations, the agency recovered 9.5 kilograms of gold. Officials said the seized gold had been illegally brought into the country and was allegedly transported through an international smuggling network.
The DRI action is being considered a major blow to illegal smuggling networks operating across the country. The investigative agency had been monitoring groups involved in attempting to bring gold, narcotics and other prohibited items into India through foreign routes and distribute them through domestic channels. Based on intelligence inputs gathered during the investigation, simultaneous operations were conducted in different regions.
The probe has revealed that the smuggling network allegedly operated through multiple layers, involving people responsible for transporting goods from abroad, local contacts and individuals involved in distribution. The DRI is now questioning the arrested accused to uncover the structure of the network, its financial links and the involvement of other members.
The Ministry of Finance said several regional units of the DRI participated in the operation. Teams from Mumbai, Delhi, Varanasi and Tamil Nadu played a key role in executing the action. The Border Security Force (BSF) also provided assistance during the operation. The coordinated efforts of multiple agencies were aimed at disrupting organised smuggling activities and dismantling the illegal network.
Officials said the investigation is also examining other criminal activities linked to the smuggling operations. The recovery of narcotics along with gold suggests that some groups may have been involved in multiple forms of illegal trade. Investigators are now trying to determine the source of the seized goods, the routes used for transportation and the intended destinations.
The arrest of five foreign nationals has added another dimension to the investigation. Agencies are examining their travel records, contacts and possible links with networks operating in India. Officials said strict action against internationally operated smuggling syndicates will continue in the coming months.
Gold smuggling poses a challenge to the country’s economic system and legitimate trade channels. Illegally imported gold can lead to revenue losses for the government and may also be linked to other unlawful activities. To counter such threats, the DRI regularly conducts intelligence-based operations against organised smuggling groups.
The latest DRI operation is being viewed as a significant step towards controlling illegal trade networks. The agency is continuing its investigation based on information obtained from the arrested accused. Officials believe that further investigation may help identify additional people connected with the smuggling network and strengthen efforts to prevent such illegal activities in the future.
