Visakhapatnam: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized over 5.8 kg of foreign-origin gold worth Rs 8.98 crore after a high-speed highway chase near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Two people travelling in a car from Kolkata to Hyderabad have been arrested in connection with the alleged smuggling operation.
According to a DRI release issued on Sunday, the operation was carried out by its Visakhapatnam unit following intelligence inputs about the movement of smuggled gold. Officials maintained heightened surveillance along the National Highway before intercepting the vehicle during the intervening night of October 8 and 9.
The seizure followed a prolonged chase and a detailed search of the car, which led investigators to a concealed compartment beneath the front passenger seat.
Where Was The Gold Hidden In The Car?
After intercepting the vehicle, DRI officials questioned the two occupants and systematically searched the car. During the inspection, they discovered a specially fabricated cavity beneath the leg space of the front co-passenger seat.
Three packets containing 5,832.90 grams of 24-carat foreign-origin gold were recovered from the concealed compartment. The seized gold was valued at approximately Rs 8.98 crore, according to the agency.
The specially constructed cavity had been used to conceal the gold while it was being transported by road.
Where Was The Smuggled Gold Coming From?
The DRI said the gold had been smuggled into India through the India-Bangladesh border and was being transported to Hyderabad.
The car was travelling from Kolkata when it was intercepted near Visakhapatnam. The agency’s statement identified Hyderabad as the intended destination of the consignment.
The gold was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
What Happened To The Two Accused?
The two occupants of the vehicle were arrested following the seizure and produced before the jurisdictional magistrate. The court remanded them to judicial custody, the DRI said.
The seizure forms part of the agency’s action against the movement of smuggled gold. Further details about the identities of the arrested individuals or the wider network involved were not provided in the release.
