Published: 11 October 2025Governance
Operation Golden Sweep: DRI Seizes 10.5 kg Gold Worth ₹12.58 Crore at Mumbai Airport
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) cracked down on a transnational gold smuggling network at Mumbai airport under 'Operation Golden Sweep'. Officials seized 10.488 kg of 24-carat gold valued at ₹12.58 crore from transit passengers arriving from Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, and Dhaka.
Smugglers concealed gold in egg-shaped wax capsules inside their bodies. The investigation revealed that airport personnel assisted in smuggling gold out of secure zones, exposing a serious insider threat in aviation infrastructure. DRI has identified a wider network spanning multiple countries, with further arrests expected. The gold smuggling trend has increased amid record high international gold prices exceeding $2,700/oz.
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Under which operation did the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seize 10.488 kg of gold worth ₹12.58 crore at Mumbai airport in October 2025?
Explanation · Correct answer DThe DRI conducted Operation Golden Sweep at Mumbai airport, seizing 10.488 kg of 24-carat gold valued at ₹12.58 crore from transit passengers arriving from Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, and Dhaka.
Frequently asked questions
What was Operation Golden Sweep at Mumbai airport?
**Operation Golden Sweep was a Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) crackdown on gold smuggling at Mumbai airport**, seizing 10.488 kg of 24-carat gold valued at ₹12.58 crore from transit passengers arriving from Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, and Dhaka.
How was gold smuggled in Operation Golden Sweep Mumbai?
In Operation Golden Sweep, **gold was smuggled in egg-shaped wax capsules concealed inside the bodies of passengers.** The investigation also revealed that **airport personnel assisted in smuggling gold out of secure zones**, exposing a serious insider threat in aviation infrastructure.
Why has gold smuggling increased to India in 2025?
**Gold smuggling to India has increased amid record international gold prices exceeding $2,700/oz** in 2025. The high price differential between international markets and India's gold prices (which include customs duties) creates profitable opportunities for smugglers.
What is the DRI and what role does it play in anti-smuggling?
The **Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)** is India's premier anti-smuggling agency under the Ministry of Finance. It investigates cases of smuggling of gold, drugs, and other contraband. Operation Golden Sweep at Mumbai airport is an example of DRI's role in combating transnational smuggling networks.
How much gold was seized in Operation Golden Sweep at Mumbai airport?
**10.488 kg of 24-carat gold valued at ₹12.58 crore** was seized in Operation Golden Sweep. The gold came from transit passengers arriving from Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, and Dhaka. The DRI identified a wider transnational network with further arrests expected.
