The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has launched significant action against cross-border gold smuggling. By conducting raids in Delhi and Agartala, an international gold smuggling syndicate has been dismantled. This syndicate operated from Dubai and Bangladesh, illicitly transporting gold into India.
Following specific intelligence, on January 6, 2026, a key member of the syndicate was apprehended at a domestic logistics warehouse. The accused was there to receive two consignments sent from Agartala, Tripura. Investigation of these consignments uncovered 15 kg of foreign gold bearing international refinery marks, valued at approximately 207.3 million rupees.
Source: aajtak
Simultaneously, simultaneous searches were carried out at several locations in Delhi and Agartala. These operations yielded an additional 14.2 kg of foreign gold and approximately 29 million rupees in cash, comprising Indian and Bangladeshi currency.
In total, 29.2 kg of gold, valued at roughly 400 million rupees, and 29 million rupees in cash have been seized under the Customs Act. Four individuals linked to the smuggling syndicate have been arrested to date.
Source: aajtak
The investigation has revealed that this syndicate smuggled gold into India via the Indo-Bangladesh border through Tripura, transporting it to Delhi through domestic cargo services. This entire network includes handlers stationed in Dubai and Bangladesh and local operatives running jewelry shops in Agartala.
Source: aajtak
The DRI asserts that by curbing the supply of illegal gold, it is safeguarding the country's economic and fiscal stability while ensuring a fair and transparent business environment. Further investigations are ongoing.
