Shillong, January 7 : The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a major trans-border gold smuggling syndicate with links to Dubai and Bangladesh, seizing 29.2 kg of foreign-origin gold worth about ₹40 crore and ₹2.90 crore in cash, and arresting four persons, officials said on Wednesday.
According to an official DRI statement, the operation was launched on specific intelligence inputs indicating a well-organised international smuggling network operating through Tripura and extending to Delhi, with overseas handlers.
DRI officers apprehended a key member of the syndicate at a domestic logistics warehouse while he was taking delivery of two consignments originating from Agartala.
On examination, officials recovered 15 kg of foreign-origin gold bearing international refinery markings, valued at approximately ₹20.73 crore.
Simultaneous searches at multiple locations in Delhi and Agartala led to the recovery of a further 14.2 kg of foreign-origin gold and ₹2.90 crore in cash, including both Indian and Bangladeshi currency, the agency said.
In a related operation, Assam Rifles, along with DRI, seized gold biscuits weighing about 14 kg valued at around ₹19 crore and unaccounted Indian currency amounting to ₹2.87 crore from the general areas of Shantipara and Dhaleshwar in Agartala. The seized items were later handed over to DRI for further investigation and legal proceedings.
Investigators said the syndicate allegedly smuggled gold into India through the Indo–Bangladesh border via Tripura, and then transported it to Delhi using domestic cargo services.
The network is suspected to have operated with the connivance of handlers based in Dubai and Bangladesh, along with local operatives, including those linked to jewellery shops in Agartala, officials said.
The DRI said it continues to act against illicit gold flows to protect India’s economic and fiscal stability and ensure fair trade. Further investigation in the case is underway.
