DRI seizes foreign-origin gold worth Rs. 2.9 crores in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: Acting on specific intelligence, the Hyderabad Zonal Unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a white-colored TATA Nexon car on the outskirts of Hyderabad on September 11, 2024. This led to the seizure of 3,982.070 grams of gold valued at ₹2,94,55,372. Two individuals were arrested in connection with the incident.
The DRI officers, who had received intelligence about the movement of smuggled foreign-origin gold from Kolkata to Hyderabad, carried out the interception. The investigation revealed that the gold was ingeniously concealed in two specially made cavities within the vehicle. One cavity was located on the left side of the driver’s seat beneath the dashboard, while the other was hidden in the trunk frame behind the car.
The seized foreign-origin gold, along with the vehicle, has been confiscated. The two individuals traveling in the car have been arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Further investigation is ongoing.
Earlier, on August 11, 2024, DRI officials apprehended an air passenger at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, for smuggling foreign-origin gold. The officials seized gold worth over ₹1 crore from the passenger’s possession.
Based on specific intelligence gathered by the DRI, Hyderabad Zonal Unit, regarding gold being smuggled from Dubai to Hyderabad, the officers intercepted a male passenger arriving on flight EK-528. The passenger was apprehended at the exit area of the International Arrival Hall at RGIA, Hyderabad.
During a thorough search, officials discovered foreign-origin gold concealed in the passenger’s shoes and backpack. Two yellow-colored large metal bars, shaped like batteries, were found—one in the passenger’s left shoe and the other in his backpack. Additionally, a yellow-colored metal chain was recovered. The total weight of the recovered gold was 1,390.850 grams, valued at ₹1,00,06,909, according to an official statement from the apex anti-smuggling agency of India.
