The DRI and BSF seized multiple consignments of foreign-origin gold in West Bengal and Patna. The operations were aimed at disrupting smuggling networks using the Bangladesh route.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF), has seized around 12 kg of foreign-origin gold worth nearly Rs 17 crore in a series of operations targeting cross-border smuggling through the India-Bangladesh border.
The seizures were made in West Bengal and Bihar, with the gold recovered from locations near the border as well as from a train passenger. The operations uncovered multiple consignments allegedly smuggled into India through the Bangladesh route.
In West Bengal, BSF personnel of the 161 Battalion recovered 27 pieces of unclaimed foreign-origin gold weighing around 3.15 kg near the India-Bangladesh Border Road in the area under BOP Gongra on September 20-21. The DRI subsequently took over the proceedings and seized the gold under the Customs Act, 1962.
In another operation on September 21, BSF personnel at BOP Mahakhola recovered 10 pieces of 24K foreign-origin gold weighing around 1.16 kg. The gold was found concealed near a handpump in Hathkhola village, ahead of the India-Bangladesh border fence. The DRI subsequently took over the recovered gold and seized it under Section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962.
Earlier, on September 10-11, BSF personnel had recovered 48 foreign-origin gold bars weighing around 5.9 kg near the India-Bangladesh border fence in the BOP Pathergata area. The consignment was subsequently taken over and seized by the DRI.
