In a major crackdown on international smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a well-organised gold smuggling syndicate operating through Kempegowda International Airport.

The operation, carried out over April 6 and 7 by the DRI’s Bengaluru Zonal Unit, led to the seizure of approximately 3.356 kg of high-purity gold, valued at nearly ₹5 crore.

Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials mounted a surveillance operation at Terminal-2 of the airport and intercepted members of the syndicate. The smuggled gold was cleverly concealed in paste form inside capsule-shaped packets, which were hidden on the bodies of the carriers.

Investigations revealed that the syndicate primarily used transit passengers, especially foreign nationals, who deliberately chose Bengaluru routes with longer layovers. This allowed them to transfer contraband within the airport premises without raising suspicion.

The handover of gold reportedly took place in sensitive zones like washrooms and smoking areas, using a pre-arranged passcode system to identify handlers and avoid detection.

A key revelation in the case was the involvement of an airport insider, who allegedly misused authorised access to restricted areas to facilitate the smuggling operation.

The syndicate operated through encrypted communication platforms, using coded messages and disappearing chats to evade law enforcement agencies.

International links

Preliminary findings indicate that the network has cross-border links, with suspected involvement of Bangladeshi nationals working in coordination with local handlers in India.

So far, five individuals have been arrested, and further investigation is under way to identify the kingpins and dismantle the larger network.

Officials said the bust underscores the increasing sophistication of smuggling techniques and the growing nexus between international carriers and local facilitators.