20 May,2026 04:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Officials said the seizure revealed a carefully coordinated network using airport transit systems and insider support. Pic/DRI
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Wednesday said that it has sized 3 kg gold worth Rs 4.8 crore hidden inside capsules at Mumbai airport and arrested one person under a targeted operation named âOperation Golden Drop', reported the IANS.
The officials said that with the seizure they busted an organised gold smuggling syndicate operating through Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) airport
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, DRI officials intercepted and seized three kilograms of foreign-origin gold worth nearly Rs 4.8 crore.
According to the DRI, investigations have uncovered a highly organised smuggling method. The gold dust was first converted into wax form and then concealed inside specially designed egg-shaped capsules, the news agency reported.
These capsules were allegedly swallowed and transported into Mumbai by transit passengers in an attempt to avoid customs detection.
Officials said the seizure revealed a carefully coordinated network using airport transit systems and insider support.
According to the PTI, the DRI said the smuggled gold was later collected by a cleaning staff member employed at a food outlet inside the airport premises.
The employee allegedly assisted in secretly removing the gold from the airport and delivering it outside the terminal area. The accused person has been arrested.
The officials believe the syndicate was trying to exploit transit passenger channels and airport support services to smuggle gold into India while avoiding customs duties and regulatory checks.
Officials stated that the seizure is significant as the government continues efforts to crack down on gold smuggling and protect the country's economic interests.
The case has also highlighted the DRI's intelligence network and coordinated enforcement action against organised smuggling operations and insider involvement at airports.
Further investigation is currently underway to identify other members of the syndicate.
Earlier this month, on May 14, the DRI had seized diamonds worth more than Rs 5.7 crore at Mumbai airport and arrested two passengers allegedly attempting to smuggle them to Bangkok, according to the IANS.
Officials said the accused had concealed capsules containing diamonds inside their bodies. Following medical examination, authorities recovered 1,624 carats of diamonds, including both natural and lab-grown stones.
The diamonds were allegedly hidden for illegal export. The case is also under investigation for possible links to international money laundering activities.
(with IANS inputs)
