DRI Seizes Foreign-Origin Gold Worth ₹8.98 Crore After Dramatic Chase in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam : The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 5.83 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at approximately ₹8.98 crore from a car travelling from Kolkata to Hyderabad following a prolonged chase in Visakhapatnam on the night of October 8–9.

According to preliminary information, the gold was concealed in a specially fabricated cavity beneath the front passenger seat of the vehicle in an apparent attempt to evade detection by enforcement agencies. The seized gold comprises 24-carat gold with a purity of 999, packed in three separate packets.

Investigators suspect that the gold was smuggled into India through the India-Bangladesh border before being transported towards Hyderabad through Kolkata. The DRI initiated action based on intelligence inputs regarding the suspected movement of foreign-origin gold.

Officials reportedly tracked the vehicle and pursued it in Visakhapatnam before intercepting it. During a detailed search of the car, officers discovered the concealed gold beneath the front passenger seat.

Two persons travelling in the vehicle were arrested in connection with the case. They were subsequently produced before the competent court and remanded to judicial custody.

The gold has been seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. The DRI is investigating the suspected smuggling network, including the source of the gold, the individuals involved in its transportation, and its intended recipients.

Officials are also expected to examine whether the seizure is linked to a wider cross-border smuggling operation. Further investigation is underway to establish the complete chain of transportation and identify other persons who may have been involved.