DRI seizes 32 kg gold in one of the biggest confiscations of smuggled yellow metal

In one of the biggest gold seizures in the recent past in East and North-East India, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials have confiscated 32 kgs of foreign origin gold valued at Rs 10.32 crore, smuggled from China into India through the India-China Border in Sikkim, following a specific  intelligence, said a Finance Ministry statement.

The DRI received a tip off that a huge quantity of gold of foreign origin is being smuggled into India from China in Sikkim would find its way to Kolkata via Siliguri, and would be carried by three persons travelling by a hired vehicle from Gangtok to Siliguri. These persons were to reach Kolkata by train for the delivery of the gold.

According to the statement, the officers of DRI led strict surveillance over the area on Sevoke Road, Siliguri, Near Payal Cinema Hall where they intercepted a white colour Maruti Wagon R. On preliminary enquiry, the three intercepted persons admitted that they were carrying in gold bars of foreign origin that had been smuggled into India from China. Three specially tailored cloth belts having several pockets and secured by metal Zip fasteners were found to be fastened around their waist. On opening of these belts, a total of 32 pcs of primary gold bars bearing foreign inscription were recovered. Each of the gold bars was found to weigh 1 kg, bringing the total haul to 32 kgs.

The DRI officials also searched the temporary residence at Siliguri of these intercepted persons, and recovered Indian Currency worth Rs 20,19,850 which was part of the sale proceed of smuggled gold. The total seizure value has arrived at Rs.10,52,91,750. 

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In the current financial year till date, the DRI has seized over 137 kg of Gold and Gold Jewellery valued at close to Rs 24 Crores in the market, smuggled from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan and even from China, the statement added.