The Ministry of Finance announced on 19 October 2026 that the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) dismantled a gold smuggling syndicate operating in Gujarat. The operation exposed dealings involving 13.017 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at approximately Rs. 19.41 crore, brought in through Ahmedabad and Surat airports. Three people were arrested under the Customs Act, 1962, following searches that began on 16 October 2026. The syndicate used concealment methods like rhodium-coated wires and gold paste to move gold to a melting unit in Vadodara and a jewellery shop in Ahmedabad.
Key points
- Total gold involved: 13.017 kg
- Estimated value: Approximately Rs. 19.41 crore
- Arrests: 3 persons under the Customs Act, 1962
- Locations: Ahmedabad and Surat airports, Vadodara melting unit, and Ahmedabad jewellery shop
When it applies
- start of coordinated searches
Who it affects
- persons
Refers to
- Customs Act, 1962