The latest operation marks a significant success for Indian enforcement agencies in curbing organised gold smuggling, which poses serious challenges to economic security and legitimate trade
India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled an alleged international gold smuggling syndicate with links to Bangladesh and Dubai, following coordinated operations in Delhi and Agartala. The crackdown led to the seizure of more than 29 kilograms of foreign-origin gold valued at over Rs 40 crore, along with cash amounting to Rs 2.9 crore, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance on January 7.
The operation was launched based on specific intelligence inputs suggesting the movement of illicit gold through domestic logistics channels. On January 6, DRI officials intercepted a suspected member of the smuggling network at a domestic cargo warehouse while he was taking delivery of two consignments that had originated from Agartala, the capital of Tripura.
A detailed examination of the consignments resulted in the recovery of 15 kilograms of foreign-origin gold bearing international refinery markings. The seized gold was valued at approximately Rs 20.73 crore. Simultaneously, DRI teams carried out searches at multiple locations across Delhi and Agartala, which led to the seizure of an additional 14.2 kilograms of gold and cash worth Rs 2.90 crore in both Indian and Bangladeshi currencies.
Investigations revealed that the smuggling syndicate was routing gold into India through the porous India–Bangladesh border in Tripura. From there, the contraband was transported to Delhi using domestic cargo and logistics services to evade detection
The network allegedly involved handlers operating from Dubai and Bangladesh, along with local operatives and jewellery shop owners based in Agartala who facilitated storage and onward movement.
Officials said the use of domestic logistics channels highlights the evolving tactics adopted by international smuggling networks to bypass traditional surveillance mechanisms at airports and border checkpoints. The involvement of multiple countries also underscores the transnational nature of gold smuggling operations targeting India’s high-demand bullion market.
Authorities in Dhaka declined to comment on the case when approached. Meanwhile, the DRI has intensified its investigation to identify other members of the syndicate and trace the financial trail linked to the smuggled gold. Further arrests and seizures are expected as the probe widens.
