Five individuals were apprehended at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru during an operation conducted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). This operation led to the seizure of gold biscuits valued at nearly Rs 5 crore. The accused reportedly concealed the gold in capsules and paste form, hiding it in private parts of their bodies to circumvent detection.

According to officials, the arrests followed a meticulously coordinated surveillance operation based on precise and actionable intelligence. The DRI noted that around 3.356 kilograms of high-purity gold was recovered from the detainees, adding to the evidence of a sophisticated smuggling syndicate.

The individuals were intercepted at Terminal 2 of the airport. Sources indicated that they were part of an intricate smuggling network that allegedly involved both Bangladeshi nationals and local facilitators. This network highlighted the growing challenges faced in border control and customs enforcement.

Modus Operandi Revealed

The DRI revealed that the operation employed a highly organised and clandestine modus operandi. It was reported that the smugglers deliberately selected transit routes through Bengaluru, opting for extended layovers to facilitate covert transfers of the contraband within the airport premises.

According to DRI’s statements, the gold was concealed on the mules’ bodies and transferred using a pre-arranged passcode system in sensitive areas such as washrooms and smoking zones, effectively bypassing Customs scrutiny. This method raises significant concerns regarding airport security measures.

Furthermore, the investigation uncovered potential involvement of an insider within the airport, who allegedly misused authorised access to restricted zones for receiving and smuggling out the illegal substances. The entire operation was reportedly coordinated through encrypted communication channels, indicating a deliberate effort to evade law enforcement detection.

Ongoing Investigations and Implications

Following these arrests, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence announced that further investigations are currently underway. Efforts are focused on identifying the key individuals behind this smuggling network and taking steps to dismantle it effectively.

The DRI stated that this case highlights the continually evolving sophistication of smuggling methods, as well as the growing nexus between international couriers and local enablers. This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in combating cross-border smuggling activities.

Authorities are emphasising the need for enhanced collaboration among law enforcement agencies to address the issue comprehensively. The ongoing investigations aim to shed light on the full extent of the syndicate’s operations and ensure that those involved are brought to justice.

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