DRI Busts Bangladesh Gold Smuggling Network; Seizes 7.8 Kg Gold Worth Rs 11.50 Crore, Six Arrested
New Delhi, October 11: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized approximately 7.8 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at more than ₹11.50 crore during intelligence-led operations conducted on October 8 and 9, 2026, in eastern India. Six persons have been arrested in connection with the seizures.
According to the DRI officials the operations uncovered an alleged gold smuggling network using road and railway routes to transport gold from border areas towards Kolkata and other destinations.
In one operation, DRI officials intercepted a four-wheeler at Dankuni Toll Plaza in West Bengal. The vehicle, carrying four persons, was travelling from Banpur, near the Bangladesh border, towards Kolkata.
A search of the vehicle and its occupants led to the recovery of 50 gold bars weighing approximately 6.8 kg and valued at around ₹10 crore. Some of the gold bars reportedly bore foreign markings.
The occupants failed to produce documents establishing the lawful possession of the gold. According to the DRI, they admitted in their statements to involvement in smuggling foreign-origin gold into India through Bangladesh. The alleged kingpin of the syndicate operating in the Banpur border area was among the four persons arrested.
In separate operations on the same day, DRI teams intercepted passengers at Malda Town and New Jalpaiguri railway stations in West Bengal. Approximately 1 kg of foreign-origin gold, valued at around ₹1.5 crore, was recovered from their possession.
The two passengers were arrested after they failed to produce documents establishing the lawful procurement of the gold, which was in the form of bangles and bars.
The investigation indicated that the seized gold had been manufactured from gold allegedly smuggled across the India-Bangladesh border through Tripura, the Ministry of Finance said.
Road and Rail Routes Under Scanner
The operations highlight the alleged use of border areas along Bangladesh and road and railway networks connecting the northeastern region with major commercial centres, including Kolkata, for the transportation of smuggled gold.
The DRI stated that it remains committed to dismantling organised smuggling networks through intelligence-based enforcement and coordinated operations.
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