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NEW DELHI: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized around 17 kg of foreign-origin gold worth approximately Rs 25 crore in coordinated operations in Kolkata and Agartala, arresting 10 people and dealing a major blow to organised gold smuggling networks, the finance ministry said on Saturday.The seizures were made on June 12 in two separate operations targeting smuggling routes through an international airport and the Indo-Bangladesh border.In a press release, the ministry said, “In a major strike against the organised smuggling of gold, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), carried out coordinated operations in Kolkata and Agartala, and seized aprrox. 17 kg foreign origin gold valued cumulatively at Rs. 25 crore (approx. ), and arrested 10 persons in connection with the case.”In Kolkata, DRI officials busted a smuggling syndicate that was allegedly attempting to bring 11.6 kg of gold from Thailand through Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Seven people, including a woman, were arrested in the operation. The seized gold is estimated to be worth around Rs 17 crore.According to the ministry, the Kolkata operation exposed an organised network involved in trafficking foreign-origin gold into India through air routes. “On 12.06.26 in Kolkata, DRI busted a smuggling syndicate while they were attempting to smuggle 11.6 kg of gold from Thailand through Kolkata airport. Seven persons, including one woman, has been arrested in the case. The estimated value of seized gold is Rs. 17 crore approx. ,” the statement said.In a separate operation on the same day, DRI officers in Agartala seized around 5.1 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at approximately Rs 8 crore. Authorities said the consignment had been smuggled through the Tripura sector of the Indo-Bangladesh border.Three people were arrested in connection with the Agartala case. The operation was carried out in coordination with the Railway Protection Force (RPF), leading to the interception of the smuggled gold and the apprehension of those allegedly involved.According to the press release, “On the same day in Agartala, DRI seized around 5.1 kg foreign-origin gold, valued at approximately Rs 8 crore (approx. ), and smuggled through Tripura sector of Indo-Bangladesh border. Three persons were arrested in connection with the case. The operation was conducted in coordination with Railway Protection Force.”
