DRI busts gold smuggling syndicate at Mumbai airport; 7 arrested, gold worth Rs 5 crore seized

DRI said the three airport staff allegedly received the gold capsules from the transit passengers who arrived on Air India flight AI 2338 from Bangkok. Representational pic

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence's (DRI) Mumbai Zonal Unit has busted a gold smuggling syndicate operating through Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and arrested seven persons, including three airport staff members, while seizing gold worth more than Rs 5 crore concealed in capsules.

Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted the accused near Hotel Fairmont in the early hours of Saturday. The operation led to the recovery of seven egg-shaped capsules containing gold dust in wax form, with a gross weight of 3,318.12 grams (net weight 3,190 grams) valued at Rs 5,01,46,800.

The operation, code-named "Operation Golden Nexus", led to the seizure of foreign-origin 24-carat gold dust in wax form. According to the DRI, the three airport employees intercepted in the case included two bus coach drivers and a coach monitor who were allegedly involved in receiving and transporting the smuggled gold.

Those arrested have been identified as Rohit Kumar Singh (31), Ajit Acharekar (46) and Santosh Pol (43), all employees of AI Airport Services Limited (AIASL) posted at CSMIA; Samiullah Shah (56), the alleged receiver; and three transit passengers - Bangladeshi national Mohammed Kavsar (23) and Sri Lankan nationals Rifkhan Hameed Lebbe (34) and Mohamed Faleel Kasim (49).

DRI says transit passengers concealed gold capsules inside their bodies

According to the DRI's application filed before the Esplanade Court seeking 14 days' judicial custody of the accused, the agency stated that the three airport staff allegedly received the gold capsules from the transit passengers who arrived on Air India flight AI 2338 from Bangkok. The passengers had allegedly concealed the capsules in their rectum. The gold was subsequently handed over outside the airport in a packet concealed inside a black sock. The DRI also identified two other Sri Lankan passengers as part of the operation.

All seven accused were arrested under Section 104 read with Section 135 of the Customs Act, 1962. The DRI stated that the accused had admitted their roles in the international smuggling syndicate. No legal documents establishing ownership of the seized gold were produced, the agency said.

The DRI informed the court that further investigation is underway to trace the handlers, hawala networks, and other members of the syndicate. The agency has sought 14 days' judicial custody of the accused, citing the need to collect further evidence and apprehend key operatives.