Overview

• Operation Alchemist saw the Mumbai Zonal Unit raid a Masjid Bunder facility late Sunday after gathering specific intelligence on the site’s illicit activities.
• Agents intercepted two operators leaving the unit with 8.74 kg of gold bars and uncovered six bars produced on-site from smuggled capsules.
• Authorities seized gold valued at ₹8.93 crore under the Customs Act and placed all seven accused—including the facility owner—under arrest.
• Investigators found the syndicate recruited carrier passengers to ferry 18 egg-shaped gold capsules from Dubai through Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
• Officials suspect the arrested individuals are part of an international smuggling network responsible for serious economic offenses.