New Delhi: In a pan India operation Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a gold smuggling syndicate of Sudanese nationals operating through Nepal border. The DRI, in different interceptions in Patna, Pune and Mumbai seized a total of 101.7 kg of smuggled gold valued at Rs 51 crore (approx.). 7 Sudanese and 3 Indian nationals have been arrested so far
The seized gold, mostly in paste form, was being brought to Patna through the Indo-Nepal border and then transported via train or by air to different parts of the country, largely to Mumbai.
3 Sudanese were intercepted on 19 Feb at Patna rly station
The DRI officials intercepted three Sudanese nationals in the late night of 19 February boarding a train at the Patna Railway Station destined to Mumbai.
Gold paste containing gold weighing 37.126 kg in 40 packets was recovered from 2 Sudanese who had ingeniously concealed it in specially made cavity of the sleeveless jackets worn by them.
The third person was the handler coordinating the smuggling activity at the border area and arranged the transport of smuggled gold.
5.615 kg of smuggled gold was recovered from 2 Sudanese ladies
The second set of two Sudanese lady nationals were intercepted on February 20 in Pune while travelling from Hyderabad to Mumbai via bus and 5.615 kg of smuggled gold in assorted form was recovered from them concealed in their hand bags.
The third set of two Sudanese nationals travelling to Mumbai from Patna were intercepted at Mumbai Railway Station on February 20. Gold paste containing gold weighing 38.76 kg in 40 packets was recovered from 2 Sudanese who had concealed it in similar fashion.
Follow up action
Acting swiftly on the leads provided by the smugglers/carriers, the DRI officers recovered about 20.2 kg smuggled gold in assorted forms along with Rs 74 lakh worth foreign currency and Rs 63 lakh Indian currency from different premises in Mumbai being used for extraction/ storage of smuggled gold. Three persons were apprehended in this follow up action.
Novel modus operandi of smuggling have been unearthed
DRI has earlier unearthed various novel modus operandi of smuggling foreign origin gold into India. In the present operation, code named Golden Dawn, DRI seized a total of approximately 101.7 kg gold valued at Rs 51 crore along with Rs 74 lakh worth foreign currency and Rs 63 lakh Indian currency and arrested 7 Sudanese and 3 Indian nationals so far. Further investigation is in progress.
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