DRI Seizes Gold, Drugs and Contraband; 20 Arrested Across India

CNB WORLD TIMES

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on organised smuggling and transnational trafficking networks. During a series of intelligence-based operations conducted across India over the past week, DRI officers seized large quantities of gold, narcotics, wildlife products, e-cigarettes and other contraband. A total of 20 persons, including five foreign nationals, were arrested.

Gold Worth ₹14 Crore Seized

DRI seized around 9.5 kg of foreign-origin gold, valued at nearly ₹14 crore, in multiple operations across the country.

At Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), New Delhi, officers intercepted two foreign nationals arriving from Dubai and recovered 4 kg of gold bars concealed inside specially fabricated cavities in passenger trolleys. Both passengers were arrested.

In separate joint operations with the Border Security Force along the Indo-Bangladesh border, officials recovered 3.2 kg of smuggled gold from different locations and arrested three persons, including a woman.

Additional seizures of around 2.2 kg of gold were made in Varanasi, Delhi Airport and Tamil Nadu, leading to the arrest of four more persons.

Wildlife Products and Red Sanders Recovered

DRI uncovered an attempt to import nearly 14 metric tonnes of Pakistan-origin Guggul resin, valued at approximately ₹1.4 crore, through false declaration and forged documents. The endangered resin was falsely declared as originating from Somalia and routed through Dubai. Two persons were arrested.

In another operation near Chennai, officers intercepted a truck carrying 142 red sanders logs weighing about 4.8 metric tonnes, concealed behind plastic crates. The protected timber, valued at around ₹2.5 crore, was seized and three persons were arrested.

Major Narcotics Haul

In Manipur, DRI, with the assistance of Assam Rifles and Manipur Police, seized around 2.7 kg of heroin concealed inside 220 soap cases from a vehicle near Churachandpur. Two persons were arrested.

In Mumbai, officers intercepted two foreign women passengers and recovered around 2 kg of amphetamine crystals and MDMA tablets hidden in specially designed baggage compartments. Both were arrested under the NDPS Act.

Separate operations at Delhi and Calicut international airports resulted in the seizure of around 25 kg of hydroponic weed from two passengers arriving from Bangkok. Both accused were arrested.

Illegal E-Cigarettes Seized

At Nhava Sheva Port in Maharashtra, DRI intercepted an import consignment falsely declared as LED lights and recovered 9,230 prohibited electronic cigarettes of various brands and flavours. The seized consignment, including the cover cargo, is valued at approximately ₹3.7 crore.

Continued Crackdown

The DRI said the operations exposed sophisticated concealment methods used by organised smuggling syndicates. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to disrupting illegal trafficking networks and strengthening enforcement against economic offences and cross-border smuggling across India.