The operation, conducted on April 6 and 7 by the Bengaluru Zonal Unit of the DRI, resulted in the seizure of approximately 3.356 kg of high-purity gold worth nearly ₹ 5 crore. | Photo credit: File Photo
In a major crackdown on international smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) busted a well-organized syndicate of gold smugglers operating at the Kempegowda International Airport.
The operation, conducted on April 6 and 7 by the Bengaluru Zonal Unit of the DRI, resulted in the seizure of approximately 3.356 kg of high-purity gold worth nearly ₹ 5 crore.
Acting on specific information, DRI officials launched a surveillance operation at Terminal 2 of the airport and arrested the syndicate members. The smuggled gold was cleverly hidden in the form of a paste inside capsule-shaped packages that were hidden on the carriers’ bodies.
Investigation revealed that the syndicate mainly exploited transit passengers, especially foreign nationals, who deliberately chose routes to Bengaluru with longer layovers. This allowed them to transfer contraband within the airport premises without arousing suspicion.
The handover of the gold allegedly took place in sensitive zones such as washrooms and smoking areas, using a prearranged system of access codes to identify handlers and avoid detection.
A key revelation in the case was the involvement of an airport insider who allegedly abused authorized access to restricted areas to facilitate a smuggling operation.
The syndicate operated through encrypted communication platforms, using coded messages and disappearing chats to evade law enforcement.
International links
Preliminary findings indicate that the network has cross-border links, with the suspected involvement of Bangladeshi nationals working in coordination with local handlers in India.
So far, five individuals have been arrested and further investigations are underway to identify the ringleaders and dismantle the larger network.
Officials said the bust underscored the growing sophistication of smuggling techniques and the growing links between international carriers and local middlemen.
Published – 07 Apr 2026 22:51 IST
