Operation Bullion Blaze

• The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully uncovered a major gold-smuggling syndicate in Mumbai through its targeted crackdown titled Operation Bullion Blaze . Based on actionable intelligence, DRI teams conducted coordinated searches at four secret locations, exposing a well-organised network involved in illegally importing gold, melting it in unauthorised units, and distributing the refined bullion through grey-market channels.

Raids on Melting Units and Shops

• Two illegal melting facilities and two unregistered trading shops were raided. Both melting units were functioning at full capacity, with furnaces being used to process smuggled gold—often hidden inside wax or similar carriers to evade detection. The DRI seized 6.35 kg of gold from these units and detained the operators preparing new batches for melting.

Seizure of Bullion and Arrests

• Subsequent searches at linked shops yielded 5.53 kg of refined gold bars . Altogether, officers confiscated 11.88 kg of 24-carat gold worth around Rs15.05 crore and 8.72 kg of silver valued at over Rs13 lakh under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 . Eleven individuals were arrested, including the key conspirator with a previous smuggling history. Others taken into custody included his father, the unit manager, four gold melters, an accountant, and three delivery workers involved in distribution.

Revenue Evasion and Market Impact

• Initial findings point to a tightly coordinated network aimed at bypassing India’s import regulations and supplying unaccounted bullion to the informal trade sector. Such operations deprive the exchequer of customs revenue and destabilise the legitimate gold market. All accused were produced before the Judicial Magistrate in Mumbai and placed under judicial custody.

Ongoing Enforcement Efforts

• The DRI reiterated its commitment to disrupting gold-smuggling operations to safeguard revenue and curb illegal bullion flows. Investigations are underway to trace financial transactions, overseas links, and domestic buyers associated with the syndicate.

Exam Key Points:

• Total seizure: 11.88 kg gold , 8.72 kg silver

• Raids: 2 melting units + 2 unregistered shops

• 11 arrests , case under Customs Act, 1962