According to the DRI, its team had to follow an airline employee for nearly 50 kilometres to intercept him after he allegedly attempted to take smuggled gold out of the airport. During a search, officials recovered three capsules containing gold dust wrapped in wax from his possession.
During questioning, the airline employee told DRI officials that the gold had been handed over to him by a passenger in the transit area. He also admitted that another female airline staff member was involved in the operation and helped take the gold out of the airport. Acting on the information, DRI officials intercepted the woman near the airline counter.
During questioning, the woman disclosed the involvement of two more transit passengers. Based on this information, DRI officials maintained discreet surveillance and caught two Indian transit passengers red-handed while they were handing over the gold to airline staff. The passengers had arrived from Muscat and Dubai.
Soon after, in another operation, the DRI also apprehended the handler who was coordinating with the airline staff in the smuggling network.
The entire operation resulted in the recovery of eight capsules containing 3.47 kg of gold dust concealed in wax. The value of the seized gold was estimated at approximately Rs 5.47 crore. The gold was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Four people, including two transit passengers and two airline employees, have been arrested in connection with the case.
The DRI Mumbai Zonal Unit's action highlights the agency's efforts to dismantle organised gold smuggling networks on the basis of intelligence and prevent the illegal movement of gold through airports.
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