DRI Mumbai seizes ₹2.89 crore gold hidden in meat grinder shipped from Riyadh

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Mumbai has busted a highly sophisticated gold smuggling operation. In this operation, DRI Mumbai seized 1.815 kg of gold transported via international courier.

According to reports, the seized gold is estimated to be worth approximately ₹2.89 crore (approximately $2.89 billion). The courier arrived at Mumbai's International Courier Terminal from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

At first, the parcel appeared to be quite normal. The documents showed a meat grinder inside, but DRI officials became suspicious and conducted a thorough examination of the parcel. When the meat grinder was opened, they discovered 32 small, cut pieces of gold cleverly hidden within its gears.

A total of 1,815 grams of gold was recovered and seized under the Customs Act, 1962. A meat grinder used to conceal the gold was also seized.

The DRI immediately launched a further investigation and arrested two individuals. One was the intended recipient of the courier, while the other was the person who facilitated the courier's clearance by arranging forged or false KYC documents. The investigation has revealed that this entire case may be part of an organized smuggling network.

Officials say that gold smuggling gangs are increasingly employing innovative methods to evade the attention of security agencies, such as concealing gold inside household appliances.

Officials say the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is fully committed to uncovering new smuggling methods, dismantling international smuggling networks and protecting the economic security of the country.