Published Oct 21, 2026 | 11:22 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 21, 2026 | 11:22 AM
Gold found in the possession of alleged smugglers.
Synopsis: Investigations revealed that the alleged smugglers had delivered a portion of the gold in Vijayawada and accepted foreign currency in return. Later, as the smugglers headed to Hyderabad via Vijayawada, DRI officials intercepted their vehicle on the outskirts of the city. Authorities found that the gold sales were being conducted using foreign currency.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted an international gold smuggling racket and seized gold and foreign currency being transported from Kolkata to Hyderabad via Vijayawada.
Acting on a tip-off, officials from the Hyderabad and Vijayawada DRI units set up surveillance, intercepted a vehicle carrying the gold, and arrested two individuals in Vijayawada.
Officials seized $60,000 and €21,500 from the accused. The accused hid the foreign currency in a secret compartment built into a Mahindra Scorpio.
Investigations revealed that the alleged smugglers had delivered a portion of the gold in Vijayawada and accepted foreign currency in return. Later, as the smugglers headed to Hyderabad via Vijayawada, DRI officials intercepted their vehicle on the outskirts of the city. Authorities found that the gold sales were being conducted using foreign currency.
Following up on gold-smuggling intelligence, DRI officials identified three more gold carriers travelling on a bus bound for Hyderabad. The officials intercepted the carriers at a toll plaza, discovered they were travelling with the gold strapped to their waists, and took them into custody.
A total of 3.1 kilograms of foreign-origin gold was seized from their possession. Altogether, five individuals have been arrested in connection with this gold smuggling case, and an investigation is underway to track down the larger syndicate behind the operation.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
