Acting on specific intelligence, officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Bengaluru successfully intercepted a major gold smuggling operation at the Bangalore International Airport (BIAL). The operation targeted a Thai Airways flight arriving from Bangkok, resulting in the recovery of 6.834 kg of gold concealed inside abandoned handbags on the aircraft.
Recovery of Gold and Valuation
The gold, found in both bar and crude forms, was valued at Rs 4.77 crore by a government-certified assayer. This significant seizure highlights the ongoing issue of illegal gold smuggling through airports in India. Gold smuggling poses a threat to the economy, as it evades taxation and can be linked to nefarious activities.
Intelligence-Based Operation
The meticulously planned operation involved DRI officers conducting a thorough rummage of the aircraft based on intelligence suggesting that a syndicate would conceal the gold during the international leg of the flight for later retrieval. Such operations require precise coordination and intelligence gathering to successfully intercept smugglers and contraband.
Identification and Arrests
Documents found inside the handbags, along with inputs from the flight crew, led officers to identify and intercept two passengers who had abandoned the bags. This emphasizes the importance of collaboration between various agencies and stakeholders in combating illegal activities. The passengers have been arrested, and further investigation is underway to uncover more details about the smuggling syndicate and its operations.
Ongoing Investigation
The interception of this gold smuggling operation serves as a warning to potential smugglers that law enforcement agencies are vigilant and actively working to curb such illegal activities. It also underscores the need for continued efforts to strengthen security measures at airports and enhance intelligence-sharing mechanisms to prevent future incidents of smuggling. The investigation into this case will provide valuable insights into the modus operandi of smuggling syndicates and help in disrupting their networks further.
