DRI Busts Gold Smuggling Syndicate in ‘Dhahabu Blitz’; ₹38 Crore Haul Seized

24 foreign women carriers intercepted at Mumbai airport; 29.37 kg gold recovered

New Delhi: In a major crackdown on organised gold smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted an international syndicate under Operation Dhahabu Blitz, seizing 29.37 kg of gold valued at ₹37.74 crore and arresting 24 carriers.

Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials intercepted a group of female passengers arriving from Nairobi at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. The coordinated operation led to the detection of a large-scale smuggling attempt involving foreign nationals.

Officials recovered 25.10 kg of gold in bar form along with 4.27 kg of gold jewellery from the passengers, indicating a well-planned and structured operation.

The investigation has revealed a highly organised syndicate employing trained carriers and sophisticated methods to evade detection at airports.

The DRI said it remains committed to dismantling such smuggling networks, which pose a threat to the country’s economic and fiscal stability.