A routine courier from Riyadh unraveled into a major smuggling scandal when DRI Mumbai discovered 1.815 kg of gold—worth Rs 2.89 crore—tucked inside a meat grinder. The 32 gold slivers, camouflaged within the gears, showcased the smugglers’ crafty evasion strategies.
Initial paperwork posed no red flags, but DRI’s expertise triggered a deeper probe at the terminal. The revelation led to swift seizures of the gold and grinder under relevant customs statutes.
Two individuals faced arrest: one collecting the illicit shipment, the other manipulating KYC for smooth clearance. Traces indicate a broader syndicate exploiting international mail routes.
With gold smuggling on the rise, perpetrators are turning to mundane imports like grinders and blenders for cover. DRI’s success here bolsters efforts to combat these ruses, defending revenue streams and national security. Future operations will target the supply chain’s core.