Operation Golden Sweep: DRI Cracks International Gold Smuggling Racket at Mumbai Airport

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has exposed a massive international gold smuggling syndicate operating through Mumbai Airport. During the high-stakes mission, codenamed “Operation Golden Sweep,” officials seized 10.5 kilograms of pure 24-carat foreign gold valued at approximately ₹12.58 crore. The operation led to the arrest of 13 individuals, including foreign nationals, airport staff, and the alleged mastermind behind the racket.

Extensive Arrests and High-Value Seizures

In a coordinated intelligence-driven operation, DRI officers uncovered oval-shaped wax-wrapped capsules used to conceal the gold. The smugglers employed unwitting transit passengers to transport the contraband into India. Among those apprehended were two Bangladeshi nationals, six Sri Lankans, two airport meet-and-greet service employees, two baggage handlers, and the key orchestrator of the operation.

The discovery exposed a well-planned smuggling mechanism that relied heavily on insider cooperation and international coordination.

Advanced and Sophisticated Smuggling Techniques

The DRI’s Investigation revealed that the syndicate used a highly organized transnational network to smuggle gold from Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, and Dhaka. The smuggled gold was discreetly handed over by transit passengers to accomplices stationed in the international departures zone of the airport.

Later, airport employees secretly transferred the gold to on-ground handlers and receivers who reported directly to the ringleader. DRI officials noted that the group’s strategy exploited airport insiders’ privileged access, underlining the increasing threat posed by internal collusion in sensitive locations like international terminals.

A Complex International Network

According to investigators, the multi-layered gold smuggling network was controlled by kingpins based in Mumbai and Dubai. The gang’s elaborate hierarchy—comprising handlers, receivers, couriers, and airport insiders—allowed it to function across borders with relative ease and avoid detection for an extended period.

“The intricate coordination and use of insiders reflect an alarming evolution in global smuggling operations,” a senior DRI official commented, emphasizing the need for enhanced airport surveillance and international cooperation.

DRI’s Intelligence and Swift Action Pay Off

The success of Operation Golden Sweep is being hailed as a major achievement for DRI’s intelligence gathering, surveillance, and enforcement capabilities. Authorities reaffirmed that the agency remains fully committed to protecting India’s economic interests and dismantling organized smuggling networks that exploit the country’s aviation infrastructure.

Officials highlighted that such operations not only protect revenue but also safeguard the integrity of India’s borders and trade channels. The DRI continues to maintain vigilance against illegal gold inflows, which remain a persistent challenge due to rising global gold prices.

Ongoing Investigation and International Cooperation

The DRI has now launched an in-depth investigation into the financial trails linked to the operation. Authorities are also examining the gang’s foreign connections and money-laundering networks to identify additional collaborators overseas.

Officials assured that further arrests are likely as the probe expands and that all individuals involved—both domestically and internationally—will face strict legal consequences under Indian law. The agency’s relentless pursuit of justice underscores its commitment to curbing the growing menace of cross-border gold smuggling.