Chennai: In a successful joint operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) collaborated with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Mandapam and Ramnad Customs, Preventive Division, to intercept two fishing boats and seize 32.869 kilograms of foreign origin gold valued at Rs 20.21 crore. The gold was being smuggled into India from Sri Lanka through the coast. The operation was conducted based on specific intelligence developed by the DRI, Chennai, regarding the smuggling of foreign-origin gold from Sri Lanka through the Vedhalai coast in Ramnad, Tamil Nadu, by various gangs utilising fishing boats.
With the assistance of the Indian Coast Guard, the DRI officers initiated extensive coastal surveillance and identified the suspected fishing boats involved in the smuggling operation. On the morning of May 30, one of the fishing boats was intercepted by a team of DRI officers and Coast Guard officers after a chase at sea. During the interception, the individuals on board the fishing boat threw a parcel containing the contraband into the sea. However, with the help of expert divers from the Coast Guard, the contraband parcel weighing 11.6 kilograms of foreign origin gold and valued at Rs 7.13 crore was recovered from the seabed. The boat used for smuggling was also seized.
Later that night, a second suspected fishing boat was identified. DRI officers, on an Indian customs patrol boat, approached the fishing boat and witnessed the occupants handing over a parcel to two receivers waiting on the shore. Upon noticing the Indian Customs boat approaching from the sea, the receivers attempted to escape into the darkness with the smuggled gold. However, the officers chased and apprehended the individuals. Upon examination, eight packets were discovered inside a jacket carried by the receivers, containing 21.269 kilograms of foreign-origin gold valued at Rs 13.08 crore. The gold, along with the boat and a two-wheeler used for smuggling, was seized by the authorities.
The investigation into the smuggling operation is currently underway. The joint operation between the DRI and the Indian Coast Guard has dealt a significant blow to the illicit gold smuggling network and demonstrates the authorities' commitment to curbing such illegal activities.
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