The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized suspected foreign-origin gold and arrested three persons, including a jewellery trader, during a crackdown on an alleged gold smuggling network in Madhya Pradesh's Katni district.

The operation began late Friday after DRI's Bhopal Regional Unit intercepted two men at Katni Railway Station based on specific intelligence inputs. Officials recovered 748.10 grams of foreign-origin gold biscuits from their possession, triggering further investigation that led to a raid at a jewellery showroom in the city's Sarafa Bazaar.

Gold Seized From Jewellery Store

During the search at Goenka Jewellers, DRI officials recovered a 100.1-gram foreign gold bar bearing the marking "Valcambi Switzerland 100 Gram Gold 995.0," indicating its foreign refinery origin.

In addition to the Swiss gold bar, officials seized 11 cut gold pieces, one flattened gold fragment and a gold wire shaped like a ring from the premises.

The arrested suspects at the railway station were identified as Satyam Saraf and Ayush Mishra. During interrogation, they allegedly disclosed that part of the recovered foreign gold was intended to be delivered to the jewellery establishment.

Import Documents Not Produced

According to DRI officials, jewellery trader Arun Kumar Goenka was asked to produce valid import documents, customs clearance records and purchase invoices related to the seized foreign-origin gold. However, the required documents could not be presented during the search.

Based on the absence of supporting records, the agency seized the recovered gold under Section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962, while citing provisions related to goods suspected of illegal import under Section 111 of the Act.

Officials said the markings on the Swiss gold bar strengthened suspicion that the metal may have entered India through unauthorised channels.

Jewellery Trader Hospitalised During Questioning

Following the raid, DRI issued a summons to Arun Kumar Goenka under Section 108 of the Customs Act, directing him to appear before investigators and provide documents relating to the seized gold.

On Saturday, Goenka appeared before officials at the Central GST office for questioning. During the interrogation, his health reportedly deteriorated, following which he was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the district hospital for treatment.

Smuggling Network Under Scanner

Investigators are now focusing on tracing the origin of the seized gold and identifying the supply chain that allegedly brought the foreign bullion to Katni.

DRI is examining whether the case involves only the arrested individuals or is linked to a larger organised gold smuggling network operating through local jewellery markets.

Officials have also begun analysing the accused persons' mobile phones, financial transactions, statements and other technical evidence. Further arrests are likely if additional links emerge during the investigation.

The agency has not yet disclosed the total estimated value of the seized gold.

A major gold smuggling attempt was foiled at Ahmedabad Airport after officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recovered gold worth more than ₹4 crore concealed inside a speaker box in an aircraft toilet. The seizure was made during an inspection of an IndiGo flight that arrived from Dubai, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the smuggling network behind the operation.

According to officials, the gold was discovered during a targeted search conducted on the basis of specific intelligence inputs. Investigators found 24 foreign-origin gold biscuits hidden inside two pouches wrapped in black tape and concealed within a speaker installed in the aircraft's lavatory. The recovery highlights the continued use of innovative concealment methods by smugglers attempting to bypass customs and security checks at international airports.

Authorities are now working to identify the individuals responsible for transporting and concealing the gold aboard the aircraft.

Intelligence Input Leads to Recovery

Officials said the DRI had received confidential information regarding a possible gold smuggling attempt involving a flight arriving from Dubai. Based on the alert, a specialized team conducted a detailed inspection immediately after IndiGo flight 6E-1478 landed at Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday.

Given previous instances of smuggling through aircraft lavatories, investigators focused their attention on the toilet area during the search operation. During the inspection, the speaker box installed inside the lavatory appeared unusually heavy, raising suspicion among officials.

Upon opening the speaker unit, officers discovered two concealed pouches wrapped in black adhesive tape.

24 Gold Biscuits Hidden in Speaker

The pouches contained 24 gold biscuits of foreign origin with a purity of 999.0, equivalent to 24-carat gold. According to preliminary estimates, the total weight of the recovered gold was approximately 2,799.3 grams.

Officials valued the seized consignment at more than ₹4 crore based on prevailing market rates.

The sophisticated concealment method suggests that the operation may have involved organized smuggling networks that use aircraft components and hidden compartments to transport precious metals across borders.

Investigation Focuses on Smuggling Network

The identity of the individuals responsible for hiding the gold has not yet been established. Investigators are examining passenger manifests, crew details, airport surveillance footage, and operational records related to the flight.

Authorities are also attempting to determine whether the gold was intended for collection by an accomplice after landing or whether it was part of a larger smuggling chain operating through international routes.

Sources familiar with the investigation indicated that multiple angles are being examined, including possible involvement of transit handlers or organized syndicates engaged in gold trafficking.

Rising Concern Over Gold Smuggling

Gold smuggling remains a significant challenge for enforcement agencies across India. High import duties, fluctuations in international gold prices, and strong domestic demand often create incentives for illegal imports.

Smugglers frequently employ unconventional methods to evade detection, including concealment inside electronic equipment, aircraft compartments, baggage, clothing, and personal items. Aviation authorities and intelligence agencies have intensified surveillance at major international airports to counter such activities.

Officials note that Dubai continues to be one of the most closely monitored routes due to repeated attempts to smuggle gold into the country through commercial flights.

Enforcement Agencies Strengthen Vigilance

The latest seizure reflects ongoing efforts by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and other enforcement agencies to curb illegal gold imports and protect government revenue.

Airport authorities and customs officials regularly conduct intelligence-driven operations targeting suspicious consignments and passengers. Such actions are aimed at dismantling smuggling networks and preventing the illegal movement of precious metals into the domestic market.