The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai Zonal Unit (MZU), has successfully busted a major gold extraction and refining facility involved in the illegal melting of smuggled gold. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers conducted searches in three related locations, leading to the recovery of substantial quantities of smuggled gold, silver, and cash.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 23.92 kilograms of gold in bar and melted form, including foreign-marked gold, along with 37 kilograms of silver. Additionally, cash amounting to INR 5,40,000 was recovered. The total value of the seized goods, including the cash, is estimated to be approximately INR 19.6 crore.
The mastermind behind the illegal operation was arrested following the recording of statements from workers and helpers employed at the premises. The arrested individual failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the source of the seized gold and could not present any documentary evidence justifying its legal origin. This raises significant concerns that the gold was part of an organised smuggling syndicate. This operation underscores DRI’s continued commitment to curbing gold smuggling activities and ensuring strict enforcement of the country’s laws on precious metals.
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