Ahmedabad: DRI Arrests 4, Including Airline Staff, After Seizing ₹1.62 Cr Gold; Reveals ₹16 Cr Smuggling Racket
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) busted a major gold smuggling syndicate at Ahmedabad Airport, seizing 1.3 kg of 24K gold. Airline security staff involved.
Ahmedabad. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has exposed an organised gold smuggling syndicate following a major operation at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad. The action began after the seizure of approximately 1.3 kilograms (1246.48 grams) of 24-carat gold from a flight arriving from Jeddah on November 14, 2025. The market value of the seized gold is estimated at ₹1.62 crore.
Gold Concealed with Deception
DRI officials reported that the seized gold was wrapped in white tape in four capsules and cleverly hidden inside a life jacket pouch located beneath a passenger seat. This method points towards the high-level planning and complexity employed by the smugglers.
Airline Personnel Implicated
The subsequent, intensive investigation following the initial arrest uncovered a vast network. The four individuals arrested in the case include the passenger, a key coordinator (who operates a cafe in Ahmedabad and claims to hold a Ph.D.), and two senior security employees of a reputed airline. The arrested airline staff include a Senior Executive (Security) and an Assistant Manager (Security), who were found to be involved in facilitating the smuggling attempt.
Estimated ₹16 Crore Smuggled
Digital evidence and corroborative statements gathered during the inquiry revealed that the syndicate may have executed similar smuggling operations more than 10 times in the past two months. It is estimated that the syndicate has smuggled gold consignments worth around ₹16 crore in total during these instances.
The DRI confirmed that these individuals were key operators of an organised smuggling syndicate, working in tandem with other perpetrators located abroad. All four accused have been placed under arrest as per the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
This successful operation by the DRI underscores the agency's unwavering commitment to dismantling organised crime syndicates in the country.
