DRI smashes ₹14 Crore Gold smuggling network linking Kolkata and Delhi

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled an organised gold smuggling and illegal melting racket operating between Kolkata and Delhi, seizing gold, silver and cash collectively valued at over ₹14.13 crore . Six persons involved in the cross-city syndicate have been arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 .

According to officials, the network specialised in smuggling foreign-origin gold into India, transporting it discreetly by rail , erasing identifying marks at clandestine facilities, and selling the refined metal in the domestic bullion market.

Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted a passenger who had arrived at New Delhi Railway Station from Kolkata carrying foreign-marked gold intended for delivery to a local receiver. Both the carrier and the recipient were apprehended on the spot.

Subsequent searches in Delhi led investigators to an illegal gold melting unit used to deface smuggled gold by removing foreign markings, thereby masking its origin before resale. Additional quantities of gold, silver and Indian currency were recovered from the premises, and the facility’s manager was taken into custody.

Further investigation traced the operation to Kolkata, where the alleged mastermind was located at another illicit melting facility along with more defaced gold. He was arrested along with two couriers , who confessed to receiving smuggled gold, melting it to eliminate traceable features, and dispatching it to Delhi via rail for wider distribution.

In total, authorities seized 8.286 kg of gold valued at approximately ₹13.41 crore, 7.35 kg of silver worth about ₹19.67 lakh, and ₹51.74 lakh in cash .

Officials said the syndicate operated through a coordinated chain of smugglers, transporters, handlers and illegal refiners, enabling the precious metal to enter legitimate markets without detection. All six accused have been produced before a competent court, and further investigation is underway to identify additional links in the network.