The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized contraband worth approximately Rs. 12.64 crore in gold and Rs. 1.09 crore in diamonds from a smuggling syndicate operating through Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai. The operation also uncovered a distinctive two-way modus operandi, with the same airport staff member allegedly facilitating the movement of contraband in both directions.
On 30.09.26, acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted an airport staff member in the departure area while he was handing over diamonds to an Indian passenger travelling to Dubai for their illicit export from India. During his personal search, the airport staff was also found carrying three capsules containing foreign-origin gold dust in wax form, which had been handed over to him by a transit passenger. This marked the beginning of the operation that would lead to the seizure of 23 capsules containing 8.564 kg of foreign-origin gold and 1,168.97 carats of diamonds. The airport staff member was found to be part of a two-way smuggling syndicate operating through Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai.
The operation revealed that the same airport staff member was allegedly facilitating the movement of contraband in both directions—receiving smuggled foreign-origin gold from international transit passengers for clandestine removal into India, while simultaneously facilitating the illicit export of diamonds to Dubai through an outbound passenger.
During further interrogation, six more transit passengers arriving on different flights from Dubai, Doha, Jeddah and Fujairah were intercepted while they were handing over gold capsules to the airport staff in the transit area. The passengers were travelling onward to Singapore and Dhaka after delivering the smuggled gold. All eight persons have been arrested under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
In all, 23 capsules containing 24-carat foreign-origin gold dust in wax form, weighing 8.564 kg gross and valued at approximately Rs.12.64 crore, were recovered and seized. In addition, 1,168.97 carats of diamonds, comprising 132.17 carats of natural diamonds and 1,036.80 carats of lab-grown diamonds, collectively valued at approximately Rs.1.09 crore, were recovered and seized. The airport staff was allegedly involved in facilitating both the import and export of contraband, highlighting an insider threat.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
