DRI seizes 9.40 kg foreign-origin gold worth around Rs. 15 crore at Mumbai airport; three arrested
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai Zonal Unit, intercepted three Indian passengers arriving from Dubai at Mumbai airport on September 23, 2026. Authorities seized 9.40 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at approximately Rs. 14.81 crore, which had been converted into fine powder and mixed into packaged food products. All three passengers were arrested under the Customs Act, 1962.
Why It Matters
This case highlights enforcement actions by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and customs procedures under the Customs Act, 1962, which is relevant for government exam candidates tracking law enforcement and economy updates.
In Simple Words
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence intercepted three passengers coming from Dubai at the Mumbai airport on September 23, 2026. They found a sophisticated smuggling method where foreign gold was turned into fine powder and mixed into everyday food products like milk powder, oats, flours, Nutella, and coconut milk powder.
Through careful testing and separation, authorities recovered 9.40 kg of foreign-origin gold worth about Rs. 14.81 crore. The three passengers admitted they worked for an organised gold-smuggling syndicate and were arrested under the Customs Act of 1962.
Key Points
- DRI Mumbai Zonal Unit intercepted three Indian passengers arriving from Dubai at Mumbai airport.
- Operation took place in the early hours of 23.09.2026 with assistance from AIU, Mumbai Airport Customs.
- Gold was converted into fine powder and mixed with packaged food products like milk powder, oats, flours, Nutella, and coconut milk powder.
- Total of 33.50 kg food products mixed with gold powder were recovered.
- 9.40 kg of foreign-origin gold was recovered and seized.
- Seized gold is valued at approximately Rs. 14.81 crore (noted as around Rs. 15 crore in title).
- Gold was seized under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
- Three passengers were arrested after admitting they acted for an organised gold-smuggling syndicate.
Exam Angle
A. 9.40 kg valued at approximately Rs. 14.81 crore
Source: Press Information Bureau