The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Hyderabad Zone Unit, foiled two major gold smuggling attempts at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad, recovering 3.38 kg of gold of foreign origin valued at ₹3.36 crore.
On August 22, 2025, DRI officers mounted surveillance at the airport after receiving specific intelligence. Two suspicious pieces of baggage arriving on a flight from Kuwait were identified but went unclaimed. CCTV footage confirmed that the baggage had been deliberately abandoned. Examination of the first bag revealed 1,261.8 grams of smuggled gold concealed inside, valued at ₹1.25 crore.
Investigators later traced the passenger involved to Annamayya district, Andhra Pradesh. He was intercepted on September 16 while travelling to Hyderabad. During questioning, he disclosed the identity of his handler, who had handed over the baggage in Kuwait and instructed him to abandon it. The handler, who had returned to India and was heading from Kadapa towards Hyderabad, was tracked and apprehended at a toll plaza on September 17. Both men admitted to their roles in the smuggling attempt.
In the second case, officers discovered that gold had been concealed inside an iron box within the baggage. A total of 2,117.8 grams of gold, worth ₹2.11 crore, was recovered. The passenger involved was traced to YSR Kadapa district and intercepted on September 17. He too confessed to his involvement.
Altogether, the operations resulted in the seizure of 3,379.6 grams of smuggled gold. All three accused were arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and remanded to judicial custody.
Further investigation is underway.
Published – September 18, 2025 10:20 pm IST
