In a major crackdown on gold smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized a whopping 101.7 kg of gold that was estimated to worth INR 51 crores in what they call 'Operation Golden Dawn.' This operation led to the busting of a syndicate of Sudanese nationals smuggling gold through Nepal.
According to reports, the gold was largely in paste form and was being shipped to Mumbai and other locations across the nation by rail or by air. The recent increase in gold smuggling is primarily attributable to the metal's high demand and high import taxes. According to the "Smuggling in India 2021-22" report, Myanmar and Bangladesh were used to import 73% of the captured gold. A recent development is the movement of gold across the Nepal-India border.
The DRI seized the gold in different interceptions in Patna, Pune, and Mumbai. Three Sudanese were intercepted with over 37 kg of gold paste in their jackets while boarding a train to Mumbai. Two Sudanese ladies were caught in Pune with 5.615 kg of gold in their handbags. Another two Sudanese nationals were intercepted with 38.76 kg of gold paste at Mumbai Railway Station.
In a subsequent operation, DRI discovered 20.2 kg of smuggled gold in various forms, along with foreign and Indian cash, in various locations throughout Bombay. In this action, three people were taken into custody. Moreover, DRI has uncovered a number of cutting-edge methods for bringing gold into India.
So far, seven Sudanese and three Indian nationals have been arrested. Further investigation is on.
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