Pune: DRI Seizes Over Rs 4.47 Crore Worth of Smuggled Gold, Arrests Four
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 13th October 2024: In a major breakthrough, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Pune unit intercepted a gold smuggling operation, recovering 5,918 grams of gold worth ₹4.47 crore, along with ₹22 lakh in cash believed to be the proceeds of smuggling. The operation was carried out following specific intelligence that smuggled gold was being transported from Mumbai to Pune for disposal.
The DRI officers mounted a surveillance operation and intercepted the suspected carrier at the Talegaon toll plaza. Upon conducting a personal search, officers discovered two pouches containing 16 egg-shaped capsules of gold in paste form hidden on the carrier.
Further investigations led to the arrest of the gold supplier, his accomplice, and the receiver in follow-up actions in both Mumbai and Pune. All four individuals admitted to their involvement in an organized gold smuggling syndicate.
The seized gold, valued at ₹4.47 crore, along with the ₹22 lakh in cash, has been confiscated under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. The arrested individuals are currently in custody and face charges under the same act.
Authorities believe this operation has successfully dismantled a well-organized smuggling ring that had been operating across state lines. Further investigation is ongoing to uncover more details about the network involved.
