The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has stepped up its crackdown on cross-border gold smuggling from Bangladesh. In intelligence-led operations on 08–09 October 2026 in the eastern region, it seized about 7.8 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at more than Rs. 11.50 crore. The operations revealed that road and railway networks were being used to carry smuggled gold from border areas towards Kolkata. Six persons were arrested.
Key developments
Gold seized by DRI Kolkata in the operations
DRI officers intercepted a four-wheeler at Dankuni Toll Plaza. The vehicle, carrying four persons, was travelling from Banpur, near the Bangladesh border, towards Kolkata. A search of the vehicle and its occupants led to the recovery and seizure of 50 gold bars weighing about 6.8 kg and valued at approximately Rs. 10 crore. Some of the gold biscuits bore foreign markings. The occupants could not produce any valid documents showing lawful possession of the gold. In their statements, they admitted to being involved in smuggling foreign-origin gold into India through Bangladesh. Notably, the kingpin of the syndicate operating in the Banpur border area was among the four persons arrested.
On the same day, DRI teams in West Bengal intercepted passengers travelling by train at two railway stations, Malda Town and New Jalpaiguri. They seized around 1 kg of foreign-origin gold, valued at about Rs. 1.5 crore, from the passengers. The two passengers were arrested because they could not produce documents showing lawful procurement. Investigations indicated that the seized gold, in the form of bangles and gold bars, had been made from gold smuggled across the Indo-Bangladesh border in Tripura.
These operations highlight the continued use of the Bangladesh border areas, and of road and railway corridors linking the North-East with major markets such as Kolkata, to move smuggled gold. DRI remains committed to dismantling organised smuggling networks through intelligence-led enforcement and coordinated action.
Exam revision: key facts
Recall the answer first, then expand it to check the evidence from this article.
What is the main development reported?
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has stepped up its crackdown on cross-border gold smuggling from Bangladesh. In intelligence-led operations on 08–09 October 2026 in the eastern region, it seized about 7.8 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at more than Rs. 11.50 crore. The operations revealed that road and railway networks were being used to carry smuggled gold from border areas towards Kolkata. Six persons were arrested.
Which dates or figures are stated in context?
DRI officers intercepted a four-wheeler at Dankuni Toll Plaza. The vehicle, carrying four persons, was travelling from Banpur, near the Bangladesh border, towards Kolkata. A search of the vehicle and its occupants led to the recovery and seizure of 50 gold bars weighing about 6.8 kg and valued at approximately Rs. 10 crore. Some of the gold biscuits bore foreign markings. The occupants could not produce any valid documents showing lawful possession of the gold. In their statements, they admitted to being involved in smuggling foreign-origin gold into India through Bangladesh. Notably, the kingpin of the syndicate operating in the Banpur border area was among the four persons arrested.