In a significant boost to efforts against cross-border smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), working in close coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF), has seized approximately 12 kilograms of foreign-origin gold worth nearly ₹17 crore. The gold was recovered in a series of operations conducted between September 10 and 21, 2026, along the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal and from a train passenger in Bihar.
The operations targeted networks using the Bangladesh route to smuggle gold into India. Officials stated that the seizures highlight the continued use of this porous border for clandestine movement of high-value consignments.
On September 20-21, BSF personnel of the 161 Battalion recovered 27 pieces of unclaimed foreign-origin gold weighing around 3.15 kg near the India-Bangladesh Border Road under Border Outpost (BOP) Gongra. The DRI took over the case and seized the gold under the Customs Act, 1962.
On September 21, at BOP Mahakhola, BSF personnel recovered 10 pieces of 24-karat foreign-origin gold weighing about 1.16 kg. The gold was found concealed near a handpump in Hathkhola village, ahead of the border fence.
The DRI seized it under Section 110 of the Customs Act.Earlier, on September 10-11, BSF personnel recovered 48 foreign-origin gold bars weighing approximately 5.9 kg near the border fence in the BOP Pathergata area. This consignment was also handed over to and seized by the DRI.
In Patna, DRI officers recovered and seized 15 gold bars along with four small cut pieces of foreign-origin gold weighing around 1.71 kg from a train passenger. The gold was cleverly concealed in a cloth knee brace (knee cap) wrapped around both his legs. Investigations indicated the gold had been smuggled from Bangladesh. The passenger has been arrested under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Authorities described these actions as part of intensified and sustained efforts by the DRI, in coordination with the BSF, to disrupt networks involved in the smuggling, transportation, and distribution of foreign-origin gold through the Bangladesh route. The India-Bangladesh border has long been a preferred corridor for such illicit activities due to its length and challenging terrain.
The seized gold has been taken into custody under the Customs Act for further investigation and legal proceedings. Officials continue to probe the wider syndicate behind these consignments.
This latest success underscores the growing vigilance and inter-agency cooperation aimed at curbing gold smuggling, which remains a major challenge for Indian law enforcement agencies amid high domestic demand and fluctuating international prices