CHENNAI: In a major operation, sleuths of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted eight male passengers arriving in Chennai from Sri Lanka and seized 11 kg of gold worth Rs 6.6 crore. The gold, hidden in their rectums in paste form, was successfully extracted during interrogation. DRI officials suspect that the gold originated from Dubai and was being smuggled into the country via Sri Lanka.
The DRI personnel executed the operation after receiving a tip-off and promptly reached Chennai airport early on Wednesday morning. They targeted passengers on an Air India flight and an IndiGo flight, both of which arrived within minutes of each other. Four passengers from each flight were singled out for questioning based on suspicion.
During the interrogation, the individuals confessed to concealing the gold in their rectums, leading to the discovery and subsequent seizure of 11 kg of the precious yellow metal. The value of the seized gold is estimated to be around Rs 6.6 crore.
Officials believe that the smuggling syndicate behind the operation had planned to transport the gold from Dubai to Sri Lanka before smuggling it into India via unsuspecting passengers. The DRI is continuing its investigation to uncover the full extent of the syndicate’s network and any connections to previous smuggling attempts.
The seizure of such a substantial amount of gold highlights the ongoing issue of gold smuggling in the region. It serves as a reminder of the continuous efforts required by law enforcement agencies to combat these illegal activities.
The Chennai airport has become a major hub for gold smuggling due to its strategic geographical location. Smugglers often exploit various methods to evade detection, including concealing gold in personal belongings, ingesting capsules containing gold paste, and now, as seen in this case, resorting to rectal concealment.
The DRI’s success in intercepting this smuggling attempt shows their dedication and vigilance in combating such illicit activities. Their efforts not only protect the economy from the adverse effects of smuggling but also help curb other criminal activities financed by such illegal trade.
The significance of this operation extends beyond Indian borders, given the involvement of Sri Lanka as a transit point in the smuggling route. Cooperation between neighboring countries is essential to disrupt these criminal networks and ensure the security of the region.
The DRI is expected to continue its investigation and work closely with concerned authorities in Sri Lanka and Dubai to identify the key players in this gold smuggling syndicate. The arrests and subsequent legal proceedings against those involved will serve as a strong deterrent to others engaged in similar illegal activities.
The seizure of Rs 6.6 crore worth of gold is a major blow to the smuggling syndicate, but it also signifies the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to preserve the integrity of the country’s borders and safeguard its economy. The successful operation by the DRI should serve as a stern warning to those involved in illegal activities, emphasizing that their actions will not go unnoticed or unpunished.
Overall, the seizure of a significant quantity of gold at Chennai airport highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in curbing smuggling operations. It reiterates the need for strict vigilance and cooperation among nations to effectively tackle these illicit activities. International partnerships and sharing of intelligence will be crucial in dismantling such smuggling networks and preserving the economic well-being of the region.
