321kg gold smuggled through 7 main routes seized in 10 months, says DRI

THE Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered an increasingly sophisticated gold smuggling operation spanning continents. Between January and October this year, DRI intercepted and seized around 321kg of smuggled gold, valued at ₹406.35 crore.

- SUMIT KUMAR SINGH @ New Delhi

The seizures, spread over 65 cases, point to a well-organised syndicate operating with military precision. Officials say these syndicates are well-funded and internationally coordinated, and have adapted rapidly to India's enforcement measures.

Director General of DRI, Abhai Kumar Srivastav, wrote to CBI Director Praveen Sood in April requesting an investigation into the gold smuggling nexus. The operation reportedly involves an international crime syndicate and a few government officials. Intelligence agencies estimate that for every kilogram intercepted, three to five kilograms successfully enter India.