LUCKNOW: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 1.85kg of high-purity foreign-origin gold worth around Rs 2.58 crore and arrested two people for their alleged involvement in a smuggling network operating between Delhi and Meerut.According to sources, the two accused were travelling in a car carrying gold allegedly smuggled from Dubai. They were planning to transport the consignment from Chandni Chowk in Delhi to Meerut when DRI officials intercepted the vehicle.Acting on specific intelligence inputs about the movement of smuggled foreign-origin gold, DRI officers identified the vehicle and intercepted it in the Chandni Chowk area.A search of one of the occupants led to the recovery of a gold bar and three cut pieces of high-purity foreign-origin gold weighing 1.85kg (net weight).Officials also recovered 10g of silver droplets. The precious metals had been concealed in packages tied around the accused’s feet to evade detection.During questioning, the accused allegedly failed to produce documents establishing the lawful import or acquisition of the gold. They reportedly admitted that the consignment had been obtained by melting foreign-origin gold and silver smuggled into India from Dubai.The DRI seized the gold and silver, whose combined value was estimated at around Rs 2.58 crore. Both accused were arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.Officials are investigating the source of the precious metals, the route through which they entered India and the identities of others allegedly involved in the network.The DRI has intensified surveillance on vulnerable routes across Uttar Pradesh to curb smuggling, particularly the illegal transportation of foreign-origin gold, ahead of the upcoming state elections.Since January 2026, the agency has seized 16.47kg of smuggled foreign-origin gold, valued at around Rs 24 crore, in 10 separate cases across the state. Twelve people have been arrested in connection with these operations.
