Mumbai’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered a cunning gold smuggling operation that exploited everyday kitchen appliances. In a stunning bust at the international courier terminal, officers seized 1.815 kilograms of gold concealed inside a meat grinder shipped from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The contraband’s street value stands at approximately Rs 2.89 crore.
What appeared as an innocuous parcel labeled as a meat grinder raised suspicions among vigilant DRI officials. A thorough inspection revealed 32 meticulously cut gold pieces hidden within the machine’s gears. This sophisticated concealment method highlights the evolving tactics of smuggling syndicates aiming to bypass stringent customs checks.
Acting swiftly, DRI Mumbai not only confiscated the gold and the meat grinder under the Customs Act, 1962, but also apprehended two key suspects. One was the individual tasked with collecting the parcel, while the other had facilitated its clearance using forged KYC documents. Preliminary investigations suggest ties to a larger organized smuggling network operating across borders.
Experts note that smugglers are increasingly using household items to mask high-value contraband, challenging enforcement agencies to stay one step ahead. DRI’s commitment to dismantling these networks remains unwavering, safeguarding India’s economic borders from illicit trade. This operation underscores the agency’s pivotal role in curbing gold smuggling, a persistent threat to national revenue.