shot-button
BMC Elections 2026 BMC Elections 2026
Home > Mumbai > Mumbai Crime News > Article > Mumbai DRI busts smuggling racket at airport seizes gold worth Rs 389 crore

Mumbai: DRI busts smuggling racket at airport, seizes gold worth Rs. 3.89 crore

Updated on: 31 December,2025 09:41 PM IST  |  Mumbai
Anish Patil | anish.patil@mid-day.com

DRI officers acted on specific intelligence suggesting that foreign-origin gold in wax form was being smuggled into India. The information indicated that the gold would be concealed either on a passenger or inside baggage arriving at Mumbai airport, officials said

Mumbai: DRI busts smuggling racket at airport, seizes gold worth Rs. 3.89 crore

The gold was valued at Rs. 3.89 crore, officials said. Pic/DRI

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Wednesday said that it busted a gold smuggling racket at Mumbai airport and seized 3.05 kilograms of smuggled gold.

The gold was valued at Rs. 3.89 crore, officials said.


DRI officers acted on specific intelligence suggesting that foreign-origin gold in wax form was being smuggled into India. The information indicated that the gold would be concealed either on a passenger or inside baggage arriving at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport, Mumbai, on December 31, 2025.



Based on this input, DRI officers kept surveillance at the airport.

Gold hidden inside water tumbler

An Indian national arriving from Bahrain was intercepted by DRI officers on December 31, 2025. During a detailed examination of his baggage, officers recovered twelve capsules containing gold dust in wax form.

The capsules were cleverly concealed inside a water tumbler, showing a high level of planning to evade detection.

24-carat gold seized under customs act

The recovered gold was found to be of 24-carat purity. The total net weight of the gold was 3.05 kg, and its market value was estimated at Rs. 3.89 crore.

The gold was seized under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Further investigation is underway to identify others involved in the smuggling network.

DRI reaffirms crackdown on smuggling

The DRI stated that it continues to carry out intelligence-led operations to protect the country’s economic interests and curb illegal trade.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Did you find this article helpful?

Yes
No

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

mumbai mumbai airport Directorate of Revenue Intelligence mumbai crime news Crime News mumbai news

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK