DRI Seizes Gold Worth Rs 8.98 Crore in Visakhapatnam
The DRI intercepted a car in Visakhapatnam, seizing 5.83 kg of foreign-origin gold worth Rs 8.98 crore hidden in a secret vehicle cavity.
In a major crackdown on smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a vehicle in Visakhapatnam and recovered foreign-origin gold valued at approximately Rs 8.98 crore. The operation, which involved a high-stakes chase, resulted in the arrest of two individuals attempting to transport the precious metal from Kolkata to Hyderabad.
High-Speed Chase on National Highway
Acting on precise intelligence regarding the movement of contraband, DRI officials maintained strict vigilance along the National Highway. The agency intercepted a car that was reportedly en route from Kolkata to Hyderabad. The interception was not immediate; according to officials, the team had to engage in a prolonged chase to stop the vehicle.
Secret Cavity Discovered
Once the vehicle was brought to a halt, officers conducted a systematic search. The investigation took a dramatic turn when officials discovered a specially fabricated cavity hidden beneath the leg space of the front co-passenger seat. Inside this concealed compartment, the DRI recovered three packets containing:
- Total Weight: 5,832.90 grams (5.83 kg)
- Purity: 24-carat gold (999 fineness)
- Estimated Value: Rs 8.98 crore at current market prices
Smuggling Route Exposed
Preliminary investigations suggest a sophisticated smuggling network. The gold is believed to have been smuggled into India via the India-Bangladesh border before being loaded into the vehicle for transport to Hyderabad. The seized gold has been taken into custody under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
The two suspects arrested during the operation were produced before the jurisdictional magistrate, who has since remanded them to judicial custody. The DRI is currently conducting further investigations to trace the origin of the gold and identify the larger syndicate involved in this cross-border smuggling operation.