The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized around 8.3 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at approximately Rs 12.37 crore during an intelligence-led operation along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Cooch Behar district. Four persons have been arrested in connection with the alleged smuggling activities.
The operation was carried out on October 5, 2026, following sustained surveillance by DRI officers along the Indo-Bangladesh border. Acting on intelligence inputs, DRI officials mounted surveillance along the route connecting Chowdhurihat on the Indo-Bangladesh border with Cooch Behar.
During the operation, officers intercepted four individuals travelling on two motorcycles. A personal search of the suspects resulted in the recovery of gold biscuits concealed in specially tailored cloth waist belts worn by two of the individuals.
A total of 72 gold biscuits, each weighing 116 grams, were recovered from the possession of the four persons. The recovered gold was identified as foreign-origin gold weighing around 8.3 kg and was valued at approximately Rs 12.37 crore.
The seized gold was taken into custody under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. All four persons involved in the alleged smuggling activity were arrested following the recovery.
The operation was the culmination of long-term discreet surveillance conducted by DRI officials along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Cooch Behar district. The intelligence-led action was aimed at intercepting the movement of foreign-origin gold through the cross-border corridor.
The concealment of the gold biscuits in specially tailored cloth waist belts worn by two of the intercepted individuals was detected during the personal searches conducted by DRI officers.
The recovery of 72 gold biscuits constituted the principal seizure during the operation, with the total quantity of foreign-origin gold estimated at around 8.3 kg.
The DRI said it remains focused on dismantling organised gold-smuggling networks operating through cross-border corridors and identifying the wider syndicates involved in the movement and distribution of smuggled gold.
Further investigation into the case is underway. The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the movement of the seized foreign-origin gold and the wider network associated with the alleged smuggling activity.
The seizure represents a significant enforcement action by the DRI along the Indo-Bangladesh border, following sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering in the Cooch Behar district.
