Directorate of Revenue Intelligence

Why is in news? DRI seizes 48 kg Gold Paste worth ₹25.26 crore at Surat International Airport under Operation Goldmine

As a part of Operation Goldmine, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 48.20 kg of Gold Paste at Surat International Airport. This is one of biggest gold seizures at an airport in recent times.

Based on specific intelligence, officers of DRI intercepted 3 passengers arriving from Sharjah by Air India at Surat International Airport on 07.07.2023 suspected to be carrying gold in paste form to be smuggled into India.

Statement of persons were recorded under Customs Act, 1962, and based on their role, 3 passengers along with one official have been arrested.

From the investigation so far, it appears that an organised smuggling racket has been operating at the Surat International Airport. Further investigation to find out involvement of other persons including officials at the airport, is being carried out, to dismantle the whole syndicate.

The action by DRI has busted the operation of the smuggling syndicate. These seizures are part of a sustained effort by DRI to combat the illicit smuggling of high-value goods into the country.

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence:

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence is the apex anti-smuggling agency of India.

It works under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs under the Ministry of Finance.

It came into existence on 4th December 1957.

The DRI with its Headquarters at New Delhi has 12 Zonal Units, 35 regional Units and 15 Sub-regional units.

It is tasked with detecting and curbing smuggling of contraband, including drug trafficking and illicit international trade in wildlife and environmentally sensitive items, as well as combating commercial frauds related to international trade and evasion of Customs duty.

It is headed by a Director General of the rank of Special Secretary to the Government of India.

The Agency works to secure India's national and economic security by preventing the outright smuggling of contraband such as firearms, gold, narcotics, Fake Indian Currency notes, antiques, wildlife and environmental products.

Moreover, it also works to prevent the proliferation of black money, trade based money laundering and commercial frauds.

The DRI has also been designated as the lead agency for Anti-Smuggling National Coordination Centre (SCord).