Overview
- The DRI launched a coordinated operation called Operation Border Bullion Bust on September 23 that led to simultaneous searches and interceptions in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Guwahati and to 11 arrests.
- Investigators seized 6.61 kg of foreign‑origin gold bars from courier consignments and separately arrested three passengers at Mumbai airport after recovering 9.4 kg of powdered gold hidden in food products.
- Preliminary document reviews recovered during the probe suggest the syndicate moved roughly 318 kg of smuggled gold worth about ₹475 crore over the past nine months through small parcel consignments.
- Officials say the network brought bullion across the Indo‑Bangladesh land border into West Bengal and Assam, then split, melted or powdered it and used courier bookings, logistics pickup points and local refiners to distribute it for sale.
- The DRI is analysing financial records, shippers’ papers and suspects’ testimony to map the supply chain and identify buyers and refiners, a process that could lead to tighter courier checks and scrutiny of local refineries.