Investigating a gold smuggling case, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) exposed a network following a seizure of gold concealed in an aircraft that had arrived at SVP International Airport, Ahmedabad.

DRI, had seized 1246.48 grams of 24K gold, valued at ₹1.62 crore, from a passenger arriving on a flight from Jeddah on 14^th November 2025. The gold in four capsules wrapped in white tape was found ingeniously concealed inside the life jacket pouch beneath a passenger seat.

During subsequent investigation, a person, who also runs a café in Ahmedabad, and claims to be a Ph.D holder, was identified as a key coordinator responsible for recruiting carriers and managing operations. In a surprising turn of events, inquiry revealed that two staff members of a reputed airlines, including a Senior Executive (security) and an Assistant Manager (security), were also found to be involved in facilitating the smuggling attempt. Inquiry revealed that the syndicate may have smuggled similar gold consignments worth around Rs. 16 crore in more than 10 instances in the past 2 months.

Digital evidence and corroborative statements confirm that these individuals were key operators of an organised smuggling syndicate, and operating in tandem with other perpetrators abroad. All four individuals involved in the syndicate were placed under arrest as per the provisions of the Customs Act 1962.

The successful operation by the DRI, underscores the agency's unwavering commitment to dismantling organised crime syndicates.

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NB/KMN

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