Sun Oct 12 03:44:28 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Mumbai has busted a gold smuggling syndicate operating through Mumbai airport. Under “Operation Golden Sweep,” DRI seized 10.5 kg of gold worth ₹12.58 crore from carriers who concealed it inside their bodies. Thirteen individuals, including airport staff and foreign nationals, were arrested. The syndicate used transit passengers traveling through Mumbai to smuggle the gold, which was then handed off to airport employees. The operation involved a network of masterminds based in Mumbai and Dubai.

**News Article:**

**Mumbai Airport Gold Smuggling Ring Busted: ₹12.58 Crore Seized, 13 Arrested**

**Mumbai, October 12, 2025:** The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully dismantled a major gold smuggling operation at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, seizing a staggering ₹12.58 crore worth of gold. The operation, dubbed “Golden Sweep,” led to the arrest of 13 individuals, including airport personnel and foreign nationals.

According to DRI officials, the smuggled gold, totaling 10.5 kg, was ingeniously concealed within the bodies of the carriers. The syndicate exploited transit passengers traveling from Dubai to destinations such as Singapore, Bangkok, and Dhaka, using them as couriers. These passengers ingested egg-shaped wax capsules containing the gold before landing in Mumbai.

“Upon arrival, the transit passengers would discreetly hand over the smuggled gold to complicit airport employees within the international departure area,” stated a DRI spokesperson. “These staff members would then smuggle the gold out of the airport premises and deliver it to outside contacts.”

The sophisticated operation involved a network of masterminds operating from both Mumbai and Dubai, employing transit passengers, airport staff, handlers, and various layers of receivers. Among those arrested were two Bangladeshi nationals, six Sri Lankan citizens, two employees of a meet-and-greet service, two handlers, and the alleged mastermind behind the scheme.

The successful operation highlights the DRI’s commitment to combating smuggling and protecting the economic interests of the nation. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the syndicate.

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