DRI Seizes Gold and Foreign Currency Worth ₹5.84 Crore Near Vijayawada

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized foreign-origin gold and foreign currency worth an estimated ₹5.84 crore near Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, exposing an alleged gold smuggling operation linked to an interstate transportation network. Five people suspected of involvement in procuring and transporting the gold have been arrested and remanded to judicial custody, according to the agency.

The operation was launched after DRI officials received intelligence inputs about a gang allegedly bringing gold illegally from Bangladesh and transporting it to Hyderabad through Kolkata. Acting on the information, officials from the Hyderabad Zonal Unit and Vijayawada Regional Unit coordinated their efforts to track the suspects and intercept the suspected contraband.

During the operation, officials intercepted a sports utility vehicle (SUV) on the outskirts of Vijayawada. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of foreign currency concealed in a hidden compartment. The two occupants were questioned about the suspected illegal consignment and its movement.

According to the DRI, the occupants disclosed that the gold had been handed over on the outskirts of the city. They allegedly stated that the foreign currency found in the vehicle was part of the proceeds generated from selling the smuggled gold. Their statements provided investigators with further leads about other individuals allegedly involved in the operation.

Following these leads, officials intercepted a public transport bus travelling towards Hyderabad at a toll plaza. Three more suspects were detained during the operation. A search revealed three foreign-origin gold bars weighing approximately 3.1 kilograms, concealed in a pouch tied around their waists.

The agency said the coordinated operation resulted in the seizure of 3,147.1 grams of foreign-origin gold, along with US$60,000 and €21,500 in foreign currency. The combined value of the seized gold and currency was estimated at ₹5.84 crore.

All five suspects were arrested over their alleged roles in sourcing and transporting the illegally obtained gold. They were produced before a court, which remanded them to judicial custody.

The DRI's investigation is focused on establishing the full extent of the alleged smuggling network, including the movement of gold across borders and the channels through which the proceeds from its sale were handled.