Mumbai: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Mumbai has busted a major gold smuggling and melting syndicate under “Operation Bullion Blaze”, arresting 11 people so far. Investigations have revealed that a significant portion of the smuggled gold was being supplied to Gujarat, particularly Rajkot. The DRI has launched a coordinated effort to identify and track the buyers involved.

Acting on specific intelligence, on 10.11.2025, DRI officers carried out simultaneous searches at four discreetly located premises in Mumbai, two illegal melting units and two unregistered shops.

Both furnaces were found fully operational, equipped with complete setups for converting smuggled gold in wax and other forms into bars. Officers swiftly moved in, detaining the operators and recovering 6.35 kg of gold on the spot. Follow-up searches at the two shops used by the mastermind for receiving smuggled gold and selling the melted bars to local buyers, led to the recovery of an additional 5.53 kg of gold bars from one of the shops.

In all, 11.88 kg of 24-carat gold, valued at ₹15.05 crore, and 8.72 kg of silver worth ₹13.17 lakh, were seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

A total of 11 persons involved in smuggling, melting, and illicit sale of gold were arrested, including the mastermind, who has a past record of gold smuggling. The syndicate was being operated by the mastermind in connivance with his father, a manager, four hired melters, an accountant responsible for maintaining records of the smuggled gold, and three delivery personnel handling its distribution. All accused were produced before the JMFC, Mumbai, and remanded to judicial custody.

Preliminary findings point to a well-orchestrated conspiracy for gold smuggling and illicit sale, in blatant violation of India’s gold import policy and aimed at defrauding government revenue.

During interrogation, the accused reportedly revealed that the smuggled gold was being supplied to markets in Gujarat, with Rajkot emerging as a major distribution point.

According to officials, two individuals in Rajkot have come under suspicion for their alleged role in distributing the smuggled gold. Sources indicate that a new case may be registered soon as the probe deepens. DeshGujarat