In a significant anti-smuggling operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has intercepted a major gold trafficking attempt at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, resulting in the arrest of 24 women foreign nationals.
Officials reported that the DRI seized a total of 29.37 kg of gold, valued at approximately Rs 37.74 crore, during the action carried out on Wednesday. The operation, code-named ‘Dhahabu Blitz’ — where “Dhahabu” translates to gold in Swahili — was launched by the DRI’s Mumbai Zonal Unit based on precise intelligence inputs.
According to reports citing the PTI, the women had arrived from Nairobi, Kenya, and were stopped upon landing at the airport. A thorough examination of their baggage and personal clothing revealed 25.10 kg of gold bars and 4.27 kg of gold jewellery concealed within.
Authorities described the seizure as one of the largest at Mumbai airport this year. Investigators believe the arrested women were functioning as carriers for an organised international smuggling syndicate. The concealment methods employed suggest the group had received specialised training to evade standard security screening procedures at airports.
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Sources indicated that the women were likely part of a larger, coordinated network engaged in smuggling gold into India. The DRI is now focusing its probe on tracing the masterminds behind the racket, including the funding channels and key operatives who orchestrate such operations.
The detained women are scheduled to be produced before a court, while the investigation continues with the aim of dismantling the entire smuggling syndicate. Officials have emphasised that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the higher-ups involved.
This latest bust comes after another gold seizure at the same airport last month. In that case, officers from the Airport Commissionerate of Mumbai Customs Zone-III recovered 716 grams of gold from two passengers during intensified checks conducted between March 11 and 15. The contraband was estimated to be worth Rs 1.1 crore.
The DRI operation highlights the continued vigilance by Indian agencies against gold smuggling attempts through major entry points like Mumbai airport.
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