DRI Busts Major Gold Smuggling Syndicate at Mumbai Airport in ‘Operation Dhahabu Blitz’; 29.37 kg Gold Worth ₹37.74 Crore Seized, 24 Women Carriers Arrested

In a swift and decisive strike against organised gold smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Mumbai Zonal Unit has dismantled a well-coordinated syndicate, seizing 29.37 kg of gold valued at ₹37.74 crore and arresting 24 foreign women carriers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport.

The breakthrough operation, codenamed ‘Operation Dhahabu Blitz’ (where ‘Dhahabu’ means gold in Swahili), was launched on April 8, 2026, based on specific intelligence inputs about a group of female passengers arriving from Nairobi, Kenya, attempting to smuggle large quantities of the yellow metal into India.

DRI officers acted promptly upon the arrival of the flight and intercepted the 24 foreign nationals — all women — at the airport. A thorough search of their baggage and personal belongings led to the recovery of 25.10 kg of gold bars and 4.27 kg of gold jewellery, totalling 29.37 kg. The entire consignment has been seized under the Customs Act, and the arrested carriers have been taken into custody for further interrogation.

Officials described the syndicate as highly organised, relying on trained female carriers who used coordinated concealment methods to evade detection at immigration and customs checkpoints. The modus operandi involved hiding gold bars and jewellery in clothing, bags, and other personal items. This is being viewed as one of the largest gold smuggling busts at Mumbai airport in 2026 so far.

The DRI’s Mumbai unit executed the operation with precision and coordination, demonstrating the agency’s enhanced focus on curbing smuggling networks that exploit international routes, particularly from African countries to major Indian airports.

Gold smuggling remains a persistent challenge for Indian authorities due to the significant price difference between international and domestic markets, driven by high import duties and demand for the metal in jewellery and investment. Such activities not only result in substantial revenue loss to the government but also fund other illicit trades and undermine the country’s economic and fiscal stability.

The Ministry of Finance, in an official release, stated that the DRI remains firmly committed to dismantling such networks that threaten national interests. “This successful operation highlights the agency’s proactive approach in gathering actionable intelligence and taking swift enforcement action,” the release noted.

Investigations are now underway to identify the masterminds and kingpins behind the syndicate. DRI officials are examining financial trails, communication records, and linkages with international handlers to trace the full network. The arrested women are being questioned to uncover details about their handlers, payment structures, and previous smuggling attempts.

This Mumbai bust comes shortly after another DRI action at Bengaluru Airport, where gold worth around ₹5 crore was seized, indicating a broader crackdown on gold smuggling routes targeting Indian airports.

The case has once again spotlighted the evolving tactics used by smuggling syndicates, who often recruit vulnerable individuals or professional carriers from abroad. Authorities believe stricter surveillance, better intelligence sharing with international agencies, and advanced scanning technologies at airports will be key to preventing such attempts in the future.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, which functions under the Ministry of Finance, plays a pivotal role in combating economic offences, including smuggling, undervaluation, and duty evasion. ‘Operation Dhahabu Blitz’ is being hailed as a significant success in the ongoing battle against gold smuggling rackets operating through air routes.

As the probe progresses, DRI is expected to file a detailed complaint before the appropriate court. The arrested carriers face serious charges under the Customs Act, with potential penalties including hefty fines and imprisonment.

This major seizure is expected to deliver a strong blow to the syndicate and serve as a deterrent to others involved in similar illegal activities. With gold prices remaining high and domestic demand robust, authorities have intensified vigil at all major entry points across the country.

The successful operation underscores the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards economic crimes and its resolve to protect national revenue and economic sovereignty.