DRI seized 12 kilograms of foreign gold imported from Bangladesh, worth 17 crore rupees.

The Customs and Revenue Intelligence (DRI), operating under the Ministry of Finance, has seized 12 kilograms of foreign gold, estimated to be worth 17 crore rupees, after a swift and comprehensive investigation into cross‑border gold smuggling from Bangladesh. The action was carried out through special monitoring units set up at the border and international cooperation, which identified the counterfeit documents and hidden transport routes used by the smuggling syndicate. The seized gold has now been taken into secure custody in accordance with Indian customs regulations and is being prepared for further legal proceedings.

Gold smuggling has become an increasingly serious problem in India in recent years, especially after the government imposed high duties and strict restrictions on imports. These restrictions have driven up gold prices in the black market, prompting smuggling networks to turn neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Central Asia into major sources. In this context, the DRI has previously recorded several major successes, including the interception of 8 kilograms of gold in 2022 and 15 kilograms of gold in 2024. Officials said this latest seizure will serve as a warning to smuggling groups and that monitoring will be further strengthened to prevent similar cases in the future.

The government has also announced plans to simplify the legitimate gold import process and enhance digital tracking by customs, aiming to minimize the risk of smuggling. In addition, strict legal action will be taken against the principal members of smuggling syndicates, helping to reduce the supply of gold in the black market and maintain national economic stability.