In a major development, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) action has resulted in seizure of 3.17 kgs of Gold worth Rs. 1.66 crores attempted to be smuggled into India at Surat International Airport in November, 2022.

Based on specific intelligence developed by officers of DRI, 3 passengers (2 male and 1 female) traveling on 09.11.2022 from Sharjah to Surat were detained and examined at Surat International Airport. On detailed examination and x-ray scanning of the said passengers, 7 gold paste capsules in total were seen concealed in their body from which 1941.28 gms Foreign origin gold was recovered and seized. The market value of the same was determined to be Rs. 1.03 crores.

Earlier, a similar action by DRI led to the interception and thorough examination of 2 passengers traveling on 02.11.2022 from Sharjah to Surat on whom gold paste was seen concealed in their body in capsule form and in underwear. The total gold recovered and seized in this case was 1.23 kgs amounting to Rs. 63.25 lakhs.

DRI in Gujarat has always kept a tight vigil over the smuggling of gold and has so far seized 33.735 kgs worth Rs. 18.10 crores in Gujarat in this financial year. Moreover, the focus on gold smuggling by DRI has been tightened ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Gujarat and the Model code of conduct being in place.

YP/GP/JD

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