New Delhi: In a relentless effort to combat gold smuggling into the country, officers from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) achieved a significant breakthrough by intercepting seven consignments of “Electric Current/Potential Meters” declared as “Current Guiaor Machine.” The consignments, originating from Hong Kong, were seized at the Foreign Post Office in New Delhi.
Upon closer examination, the purported electric meters were found to be fully functional, equipped with genuine populated circuit boards. However, their weight raised suspicion during a preliminary inspection. The outer covers of the 56 electric meters were intentionally painted black, concealing their true nature. Scratching the black paint revealed white-colored metal resembling steel. Subsequent analysis using a spectrometer unveiled that these covers were crafted from an alloy of Gold and Silver, with an approximate ratio of 30:70.
The seized consignments contained a total of 56 electric meters, with the back covers of these meters holding a staggering 16.67 kg of gold and 39.73 kg of silver. The approximate market value of this confiscated precious metal is Rs. 10.66 crore.
Preliminary investigations suggest the involvement of a well-organized syndicate in this gold smuggling operation. The modus operandi involved alloying the gold with silver to alter its color from yellow to white. This white-colored alloy was ingeniously used to manufacture the covers of electric meters, which were further painted black to avert suspicion.
The DRI is actively conducting a thorough investigation to unveil the intricate details of this smuggling network and to bring those responsible to justice. This latest success adds to the DRI’s continued efforts to curb illegal activities and safeguard the economic interests of the nation.
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