DRI Seizes 3.47 Kg Gold Worth ₹5.47 Crore At Mumbai Airport

On September 11, 2026, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Mumbai Zonal Unit detected a well-organised gold smuggling syndicate operating through Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.

The syndicate allegedly involved transit passengers and airline staff in the smuggling of foreign-origin gold. An airline staff member was intercepted by DRI officers after a 50 km pursuit, and three capsules containing gold dust in wax form were recovered from his possession.

Upon enquiry, the staff member revealed that the gold had been handed over to him by a transit passenger in the transit area, and that another female airline staff member was involved in its removal from the airport. The female staff member was subsequently intercepted near the airline counter.

The staff member also disclosed the involvement of two more transit passengers, who were intercepted by DRI officers while handing over gold to the airline staff member. The passengers had arrived from Muscat and Dubai.

In a follow-up operation, the handler coordinating with the airline staff member was also apprehended. In total, eight capsules containing 3.47 kg of gold dust in wax form, valued at approximately ₹5.47 crore, were recovered and seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

Five persons, including two transit passengers and two airline staff members, were arrested in connection with the smuggling syndicate. The DRI's operation has dealt a significant blow to the gold smuggling syndicate operating through Mumbai airport.

The smuggling of gold through airports is a serious concern, as it not only results in significant revenue loss for the government but also undermines the country's economy. The DRI's efforts to detect and prevent such smuggling activities are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the country's customs and revenue systems.

The Mumbai airport is one of the busiest airports in the country, and the smuggling of gold through this airport is a major concern. The DRI's operation has highlighted the need for increased vigilance and surveillance at the airport to prevent such smuggling activities.

The arrested individuals will face prosecution under the Customs Act, 1962, and may face significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines. The DRI's operation has sent a strong message to those involved in gold smuggling that they will be caught and prosecuted.

The seizure of gold worth ₹5.47 crore is a significant achievement for the DRI, and it highlights the agency's commitment to preventing revenue loss and maintaining the integrity of the country's customs and revenue systems.

In conclusion, the DRI's operation has dealt a significant blow to the gold smuggling syndicate operating through Mumbai airport, and it has highlighted the need for increased vigilance and surveillance at the airport to prevent such smuggling activities. The seizure of gold worth ₹5.47 crore is a significant achievement for the DRI, and it demonstrates the agency's commitment to preventing revenue loss and maintaining the integrity of the country's customs and revenue systems.