Gold smuggled from Bangladesh seized near Vijayawada; five arrested

Smuggled gold bars of foreign origin | Photo credit: By arrangement

An interstate gold smuggling operation involving the movement of foreign-origin gold from Bangladesh to Hyderabad in Telangana via Kolkata in West Bengal was busted after officials of the Director of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a car and a passenger bus near Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh and seized gold and foreign currency worth a combined ₹84 crore.

The operation on Sunday (October 18, 2026) by officers of Hyderabad Zonal Unit (HZU) and Vijayawada Regional Unit (RU) followed specific information about a gang involved in smuggling gold into India and transporting it to Hyderabad for sale.

Two returning after delivery intercepted

Acting on this information, officials intercepted the SUV in suburban Vijayawada. A search of the vehicle revealed a hidden compartment containing US$60,000 and €21,500 in foreign currency. During interrogation, the two residents allegedly confessed that they had delivered a shipment of smuggled gold to the suburbs of Vijayawada and were transporting part of the proceeds from its sale.

Foreign currency seized from hidden compartment of vehicle. | Photo credit: By arrangement

Gold hidden around the passports of the bus drivers

Based on the information obtained during the interrogation, officials launched a follow-up action to trace the gold shipment.

Three suspected haulers have been identified who were traveling to Hyderabad on board a public transport bus. The bus was intercepted at a toll booth where officials searched the passengers and found three gold bars of foreign origin weighing a total of 3,147.1 grams. The gold bars were concealed in a pouch tied around the porters’ waists in an attempt to avoid detection during transport.

Investigators said the shipment was part of a smuggling ring that sourced foreign-origin gold from Bangladesh and routed it through Kolkata before transporting it to Hyderabad.

Five arrested, investigation continues

Two SUV passengers and three gold carriers were arrested for their involvement in the procurement and transportation of contraband.

The seized gold and foreign currency were together valued at around ₹5.84 crore. All five accused were produced before a magistrate and remanded in judicial custody. Further investigations are underway to establish a wider network involved in procuring smuggled gold, transporting it across states and manipulating the proceeds of its sale.

Published – 21 Oct 2026 13:31 IST