Authorities seized a staggering 8,500 kilograms of silver at Vashi Toll Naka on Saturday during routine vehicle inspections. The operation, spearheaded by Zone VI police in collaboration with Election Commission officials and other enforcement agencies, aimed to curb the illegal movement of high-value items such as cash, jewelry, and precious metals.
According to police sources, the consignment was discovered in a container truck stopped for inspection early in the morning. Upon checking, officers found multiple silver bricks concealed under layers of paper. The individuals accompanying the shipment claimed that the silver was being transported from Chennai to Byculla for jewelry-making purposes. However, the documents they presented failed to satisfy the officials, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of the shipment.
The silver, weighing approximately 8.5 tonnes and valued at an estimated ₹80 crore, has now been handed over to the Income Tax (IT) and Goods and Services Tax (GST) departments for further investigation. These agencies are expected to verify the authenticity of the consignment by cross-checking the documentation provided.
This seizure is part of a broader crackdown on the illegal transportation of valuable goods. Similar incidents were reported earlier this month. On November 9, Vikhroli police intercepted a van on the Eastern Express Highway carrying 6.5 tonnes of silver bricks valued at ₹65 crore. The occupants of the van claimed the shipment was being transported from Byculla to Mulund. However, the case has been referred to the IT department for further inquiry.
In another instance on November 8, Wadala police seized gold balls worth ₹1.11 crore from an electrician traveling between Dongri and Andheri. The gold balls, weighing 1,487 grams and made from powdered gold dust, were reportedly being transported for delivery to a client. This consignment, too, was traced back to Chennai, raising concerns about the broader network involved in such activities.
These back-to-back seizures have underscored the vigilance of enforcement agencies in curbing illegal activities during sensitive times. Officials have increased monitoring at key checkpoints to ensure the legal movement of goods and prevent potential misuse of unaccounted wealth.
The investigations into these cases are ongoing, with officials scrutinizing the networks and routes used for transporting these high-value consignments. The recent actions serve as a warning to those attempting to bypass regulatory processes and highlight the importance of transparency in the transport of valuable commodities.
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