DRI Unearths Massive Gold Smuggling Syndicate at Mumbai Airport; 26 Foreign Nationals Apprehended in "Operation Dhahabu Blitz"

The operation reached its climax on April 8, when DRI Mumbai officers identified a group of female carriers arriving from Nairobi, Kenya. These individuals attempted to evade detection during the checking process after checking in, but were intercepted by vigilant authorities. The subsequent search led to the seizure of 25.10 kg of gold bars and 4.27 kg of gold jewellery, bringing the total haul to an estimated worth of ₹37 crores.

Investigation into the syndicate’s operations revealed a sophisticated recruitment strategy. The smuggling network specifically enlisted Sudanese and Kenyan nationals, primarily targeting elderly women. These carriers were allegedly instructed to create disturbances at security checkpoints to distract officers and evade detection while transporting large quantities of gold.

Of the 26 foreign nationals arrested during the operation, the majority are Kenyan citizens. The DRI’s successful execution of "Operation Dhahabu Blitz" has effectively exposed the inner workings of this transnational smuggling chain. This significant interception underscores the ongoing challenges faced by customs authorities and highlights the relentless efforts of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence to safeguard the nation’s economic frontiers against highly or