New Delhi: In a major catch, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 394 pieces of foreign origin gold bars – weighing around 65.46 kg & valued at Rs 33.40 crore – which were being smuggled from neighbouring north eastern countries, Ministry of Finance said in a statement on Wednesday.

Based on specific inputs, DRI launched “Operation Gold Rush” to intercept the consignments supplying the gold bars.

Specific intelligence indicated that a syndicate is actively planning to smuggle foreign origin gold from Mizoram and using domestic courier consignment of supply chain & logistic company, the statement said.

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‘Op Gold Rush’

In order to interdict the contraband, “Op Gold Rush” was launched by DRI and a particular consignment declared to contain ‘Personal Goods’ destined to Mumbai was intercepted, the statement added.

Examination of the consignment at Bhiwandi (Maharashtra) on Monday (19th Sept) led to recovery and seizure of 120 pieces of foreign origin gold biscuits – weighing approximately 19.93 Kg – and are valued at about Rs 10.18 crore.

Further investigation revealed that two other such consignments, sent by the same consignor from the same location to the same consignee, destined to Mumbai and in transit, were dispatched through the same logistics company. The location of the consignments was traced, the statement said.

The second consignment was located and intercepted in Bihar.

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Further examination led to recovery of 172 foreign origin gold bars – weighing approximately 28.57 kgs – and valued at Rs.14.50 crore.

Similarly, the third consignment was intercepted and examined at the Delhi hub of the logistics company which led to recovery and seizure of 102 pieces of foreign origin gold bars – weighing approximately 16.96 kg – and valued at about Rs 8.69 crore.

According to the Ministry of Finance, a total of 394 foreign origin gold bars weighing approximately 65.46 Kg and valued at approximately Rs 33.40 crore were recovered and seized in multi city operations.

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