Ahmedabad, Oct 19: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a gold smuggling syndicate operating through two Gujarat airports, arresting three accused under the Customs Act, 1962 and exposing dealings involving 13.017 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at about ₹19.41 crore (yaani roughly ₹19 crore), the agency said in a statement reported by IANS.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers carried out coordinated searches over 42 hours beginning October 16, covering Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad and Surat International Airport.
According to the DRI, passengers allegedly concealed the gold in ingenious ways — as thin wires coated with rhodium, embedded in the inner linings of trolley bags, and as gold paste hidden inside bag shells.
After arrival, the gold was allegedly handed to handlers waiting outside the airports, routed to an illegal melting facility in Vadodara, and then supplied to a jewellery shop in Ahmedabad for sale against cash.
The searches seized about 890 grams of gold along with evidence relating to 6.41 kg of gold that had already been illegally melted. Investigators allege the network was financed by a Dubai-based backer — an allegation that remains under investigation. The investigation is ongoing.
Ahmedabad–Surat, Oct 19 • DRI arrests 3 under the Customs Act, 1962 • 13.017 kg foreign-origin gold valued at about ₹19.41 crore • Coordinated searches over 42 hours from October 16 • About 890 grams of gold seized; evidence of 6.41 kg illegally melted • Dubai-based financing is an allegation under investigation • Investigation ongoing
Sources: DRI statement reported by IANS (Oct 19, 2026); corroborated by Nation Press and Daily Kiran.