The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 5.83 kg of foreign-origin gold, valued at Rs 8.98 crore, in Visakhapatnam. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, as reported by India's News.Net.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials maintained heightened vigilance along the National Highway and intercepted a car after a prolonged chase. India's News.Net stated that the gold was reportedly smuggled into India through the India-Bangladesh border and was being transported to Hyderabad.
A systematic search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a specially fabricated cavity beneath the leg space of the front co-passenger seat. India's News.Net indicated that three packets of gold were concealed within this cavity.
The recovered packets contained 5,832.90 grams of foreign-origin gold of 24-carat purity (999 fineness). The market value of this gold was estimated at Rs 8.98 crore.
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of gold smuggling through Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Such activities indicate the prevalence of illicit trade in the region, leading to significant revenue loss for the government.