Surat, Gujarat: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has reportedly uncovered a major Surat gold smuggling racket linked to flights arriving from Dubai at Surat International Airport. According to a report investigators seized approximately 6.9 kilograms of gold valued at around ₹10 crore.
The operation reportedly began on October 15, targeting an Indigo flight arriving from Dubai to Surat. Investigators suspect that the racket used passengers who were allegedly lured with offers of free Dubai trips to transport gold illegally into India.
How the Surat Gold Smuggling Racket Allegedly Operated
The passengers were allegedly offered free travel to Dubai in exchange for bringing gold back to India. Each passenger was reportedly asked to carry around 500 grams of gold. Investigators suspect that the arrangement was part of an organised network involving passengers and other individuals who coordinated the transportation and handling of the smuggled gold.
The investigation reportedly gained momentum after DRI officers intercepted Mohammed Arif Patel from Bharuch. His questioning allegedly helped investigators uncover additional links in the network.
Arrests and Investigation
The report names Zeeshankhan Pathan, who allegedly arranged flight tickets from Vadodara, and Prakash Narayan Mane, who reportedly operated a gold-melting facility in Vadodara, among those linked to the investigation.
Authorities are investigating the suspected roles of other passengers and individuals who may have helped transport, process or distribute the gold. The accused were presented before a court, which granted two days of remand for further questioning.
Separate DRI Operation Reveals a Wider Gold Smuggling Network
The broader investigation involved gold valued at approximately ₹19.41 crore, equivalent to 13.017 kilograms. Three people were arrested under the Customs Act, 1962.
Officials said the suspected network involved passengers, handlers, intermediaries, an illegal gold-melting facility in Vadodara and a jewellery outlet in Ahmedabad. Investigators also reported concealment methods involving rhodium-coated gold wires, trolley-bag linings and gold paste hidden inside bags.
DRI Intensifies Action Against Gold Smuggling
The cases highlight the continued efforts of revenue intelligence authorities to investigate organised gold smuggling through international airports in Gujarat. Investigators are examining the alleged links between passengers, handlers, financiers and gold-processing operations to identify other people involved.
Further investigation is underway. The allegations against the accused remain subject to the legal process.
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