
Thu Sep 18 16:50:44 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a news article written based on the information:
**Summary:**
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Hyderabad foiled two gold smuggling attempts at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, seizing a total of 3.38 kg of gold worth ₹3.36 crore. The first incident involved abandoned baggage containing concealed gold, leading to the arrest of the passenger and his handler. The second case involved gold hidden within an iron box, resulting in the arrest of the passenger. All three individuals have been remanded to judicial custody, and further investigations are ongoing. The provided text is part of “The Hindu” newspaper and also contains information about various newsletters published by them.
**News Article:**
**DRI Hyderabad Busts Gold Smuggling Ring, Seizes ₹3.36 Crore Worth of Gold**
**Hyderabad, September 18, 2025:** The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Hyderabad Zone Unit, successfully thwarted two major gold smuggling attempts at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad, recovering a substantial 3.38 kg of gold of foreign origin, valued at ₹3.36 crore. The operations took place over the past month, culminating in multiple arrests.
The first bust occurred on August 22, 2025, following a tip-off. DRI officers identified two suspicious bags arriving from Kuwait, which were later found unclaimed. CCTV footage confirmed the bags had been deliberately abandoned. Upon inspection, officers discovered 1,261.8 grams of concealed gold, worth ₹1.25 crore, within one of the bags.
“Our team identified the passenger involved through investigations and traced him to Annamayya district in Andhra Pradesh,” stated a DRI spokesperson. “He was apprehended on September 16th while en route to Hyderabad.” During interrogation, the passenger revealed the identity of his handler, who had provided the baggage in Kuwait and instructed him to abandon it. The handler was subsequently tracked and arrested at a toll plaza on September 17th as he traveled from Kadapa towards Hyderabad.
In a separate operation, officers discovered 2,117.8 grams of gold, valued at ₹2.11 crore, concealed inside an iron box within a passenger’s luggage. The individual was traced to the YSR Kadapa district and apprehended on September 17th. He also confessed to his involvement in the smuggling operation.
All three individuals have been arrested under the Customs Act, 1962, and remanded to judicial custody. “Further investigations are underway to uncover the full extent of the smuggling network,” the DRI spokesperson added. The DRI’s successful operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat gold smuggling through Hyderabad’s international airport.