By Kavita Mistry 
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has unearthed a major international gold smuggling network at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, seizing gold worth Rs 12.58 crore and arresting 13 people, including foreign nationals and airport staff. The operation has been code-named “Operation Golden Sweep.”
MASSIVE SEIZURE AND ARRESTS
During the raid, DRI recovered 10.5 kilograms of 24-carat foreign gold, hidden in wax-coated oval capsules and carried internally by unsuspecting transit passengers. Among those arrested were two Bangladeshis, six Sri Lankan nationals, two airport staff from meet-and-greet services, two handlers, and the alleged mastermind orchestrating the operation.
SOPHISTICATED SMUGGLING METHOD
Investigations revealed a highly organised international network that used transit passengers from Dubai to Singapore, Bangkok, and Dhaka as carriers. The passengers smuggled the gold internally and handed it over to accomplices in the international departures area of the airport.
Airport staff then discreetly transported the gold to handlers and receivers, all of whom reported directly to the gang’s mastermind. DRI officials noted that the method exploited the inside access of airport employees, highlighting a growing insider threat in sensitive locations.
COMPLEX INTERNATIONAL NETWORK
The smuggling operation was controlled by kingpins based in Mumbai and Dubai, with multiple layers including transit carriers, airport staff, handlers, and receivers. This multi-layered structure made detection difficult and allowed the gang to operate across borders with relative impunity.
“The gang’s intricate structure and use of insiders show a new level of sophistication in international smuggling networks,” said a DRI official.
DRI’S INTELLIGENCE SUCCESS
The successful bust is being hailed as a major achievement of DRI’s intelligence and rapid operational capability. Authorities emphasised that the agency is committed to protecting national economic security and will continue cracking down on smuggling networks that exploit domestic infrastructure.
INVESTIGATION ONGOING
DRI is now probing other international connections of the gang and tracing the money trail. Officials confirmed that the investigation will continue to dismantle the broader network and ensure that those involved face strict legal action.
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