DRI seizes gold worth 14 crore hidden in food items at Mumbai Airport

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered a startling case of gold smuggling at the Mumbai International Airport. During a routine inspection of luggage belonging to three passengers arriving from Dubai, officials discovered an unusual method of concealment. The total value of the seized gold is estimated at 14.81 crore rupees.

To evade law enforcement, the smugglers had converted the gold into a fine powder. This precious metal was then mixed into various food packets, including milk powder, oats, flour, and coconut powder. Furthermore, the smugglers had also hidden the gold powder inside jars of Nutella.

When DRI officials grew suspicious of the food packets, they conducted a thorough search. The inspection revealed that a significant quantity of gold was hidden within these containers. This method was notably different and more complex than traditional smuggling techniques, surprising even the seasoned officers.

Interrogations of the three detained passengers are currently underway. The agency is attempting to identify the syndicate behind this operation and determine the intended recipients of the gold. This incident has highlighted new challenges for security screening at airports.

This operation by the DRI is considered a significant success in curbing gold smuggling. Officials confirmed that the seized gold has been confiscated, and further legal proceedings are being carried out.

Following this incident, security agencies at the airport have been instructed to remain extra vigilant. Given the new method employed by the smugglers, increased caution is now being exercised during the inspection of food items and other packaged goods.

Currently, the investigation remains ongoing, and the DRI is working to connect the dots to dismantle the entire network.