Massive Gold Smuggling Operation Foiled at Bengaluru Airport; DRI Seizes Gold Worth Rs. 12.56 Crore

Bengaluru: In a major operation against gold smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully intercepted a passenger carrying foreign-origin gold bars worth Rs. 12.56 crore at Kempegowda International Airport on March 3, 2025.

The interception was made after DRI officers acted on specific intelligence, leading to the detection of 14.2 kg of gold bars concealed on an Indian woman passenger arriving from Dubai. The woman, aged around 33 years, had traveled to Bengaluru via an Emirates flight. Upon examination by the officers, the contraband was found ingeniously concealed on her person.

The gold bars, valued at Rs. 12.56 crore, were seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, marking a significant success for DRI in its fight against organized gold smuggling.

Following the interception, the DRI officers conducted a search at the passenger’s residence on Lavelle Road, Bengaluru, where she resides with her husband. The search led to further seizures, including gold jewelry worth Rs. 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs. 2.67 crore.

The passenger has been placed under arrest under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and has been remanded to judicial custody.

The total seizure in the case stands at Rs. 17.29 crore, making it one of the biggest gold smuggling busts at Bengaluru International Airport in recent times. The operation serves as a significant blow to organized gold smuggling networks operating in the region.