Based on specific input that a consignment of smuggled foreign origin gold is scheduled to arrive at a Surat jewellery shop, sleuths from Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) hauled 18 kg of smuggled gold.
The officers maintained a strict vigil in and around the target location on Thursday. Finally, when alerted, they accosted the person carrying in the consignment.
“A total of 135 gold bars with foreign markings, weighing 10 tolas each was recovered. The total value of the seized gold is Rs 8.6 crores. We detained the shop owner and the person who brought in the gold. After much grilling, the duo accepted the bars were smuggled and routed to different bullion dealers in Surat,” briefed DRI sources.
As a follow up, one bullion trader was raided and 27 gold bars of foreign origin were recovered from his possession. “This seizure weighs 2.466 kgs and is valued at Rs 1.35crores. Both the consignments have been seized and the persons involved are in custody for further interrogation,” he added.
